James E. Wright, age 69, of Manhattan passed away at his home on December 10, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter E. Wright, Jr. and Mary Ann Wright (nee Bushfield). James was a part of the first graduating class of Marist High School and attended college at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Indiana and Northern Illinois University. James was a Vietnam Army Veteran assigned to the 84th Engineer Battalion. James lived in Mount Greenwood for 50 years and Wilton Township for 19 years. James worked at U.S. Steel South Works, Oscar Meyer and retired in 2013 from Caterpillar in Joliet where he was a machinist. James is survived by his only sibling, Charla Wright. In his memory, donations should be made to the Elwood Children's Garden, 801 N. Chicago St., Elwood, Illinois 60421. On the indicate "In memory of James Wright" on the subject line.