James Houston Wright

In Loving Memory

We mournfully announce the passing of James Houston Wright, 67, of Lexington, Georgia. James passed away suddenly on the evening of September 15, 2026.

James was born on February 12, 1959, in Toccoa, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddy B. Wright, and Hazel Alexander Wright; his younger brother, Michael Lee Wright; his nephew, Justin Godfrey, and his niece, Dusty Wright.

He is survived by his beloved son and daughter, James Eric Wright (Jen) and Ashley Ann Wright-Greenway (William Matthew); his precious grandchildren, James Cameron Trae Wright, Marshal Andrew Casey, and Cylee-James Wright; his great-granddaughter, Kensley Casey; his dearest sister, Juanita Guest (James); aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews; his closest friends, and the one he loved.

James spent his life working as a carpenter until he became disabled. His passion in life was music, and his creativity extended far beyond his craft. He was a musician, artist, composer, and producer whose love of music was a defining part of who he was. An avid lover of all-things music, his favorite genre was rock and roll, and he played multiple instruments. Mostly self-taught, he learned to play by ear and became an accomplished drummer and guitarist.

Music was not simply something he enjoyed; it was his life. He especially loved recording in his home studio, where he could create and make music in his own private world. Obscurity was his most complete album. His most recent band, Soul Shaker, gave him the opportunity to share his passion with several of his closest lifelong friends, creating music and memories that he cherished.

He had a lifelong love of motorcycles, was an aspiring novelist, and loved to paint with oils. Whether working with his hands, making music, or creating art, he found his own way of living and expressing himself.

He also had a special heart for animals. He took in and cared for many discarded and unwanted animals, giving them a safe place, food, and love when they might not otherwise have survived.

He was a deeply private individual and preferred a simple, quiet life, but those who knew him well knew how deeply he loved his family. He was immensely proud of each one of them, and although he did not see them often, they were his heart's treasure.

James battled through difficult private struggles, and though times were not always easy, he knew that he was loved. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225. The first step is seeking help. James would not have wanted to see someone else having the same difficulties.

Most importantly, James received Christ and welcomed His gift of grace. He cherished his Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ and loved to learn from Charles Stanley Ministries. His faith and that gift of grace remain a lasting part of his story.

James will be remembered for his musical creativity, his love of music and art, his compassion for animals, his private and quiet nature, and, most of all, the love and pride he had for his family. His music, his creations, and the memories he made with those he loved will remain long after his passing. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.

"Music is a necessity. After food, air, water, and warmth, music is the next thing. I cannot live without it." ~ Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones

Ivie Funeral Home, 1053 S. Elm St., Commerce, GA 30529, is handling arrangements.

Memorial Services are scheduled for October 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at 132 Gosnell-Hutto Road, Danielsville, Georgia 30633, with Samuel D. Callahan officiating. Any changes to this schedule will be updated on the memorial website.

In lieu of flowers

The family requests that donations be made to MOAS or Nuçi's Space in memory of James Houston Wright.

Donation acknowledgments may be sent to his sister:

Juanita Guest 17 Huckleberry Ln. Winder, GA 30680

Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter (MOAS)

(706) 795-2868

Online: https://www.moaspets.com/donate 

By mail: Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter

1888 Colbert-Danielsville Rd,

Danielsville, GA 30633

or

Nuçi's Space

(706) 227-1515

A nonprofit based in Athens, Georgia, whose mission is to prevent suicide, with an emphasis on the mental health of musicians.

Online: https://www.nuci.org/donateform 

By mail: Nuçi's Space 396 Oconee Street Athens, GA 30601