James Wright, age 80, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2021. He was born in Troy, Ohio but spent most of his childhood in Loogootee, Indiana. Jim served proudly in the United States Marine Corps before moving to New Jersey. A graduate from Fairleigh Dickinson University, he earned a degree in Economics. In 1966 He married the love of his life – Carolyn and together they raised their two children, Jan Paul and Natalie. He was a founding owner of CMA, Inc. then later served as the Director of Finance for Sussex County Community College. A model of public service, Jim was elected Deputy Mayor for Hardyston Township and was also a member of the Planning Board. A supporter of public education he was an elected member of the Boards of Education for both Hardyston and Wallkill Valley schools. He spent time as a Commissioner for S.C.U.M.A., served on the Hardyston Heritage Society, Wallkill Youth Football, and was a Lake Tamarack Trustee. At the age of 62 Jim retired and was able to pursue a true passion of the outdoors. Jim hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Upon completion, he served as a Ridge Runner for the National Park Service assisting other hikers on their journeys and maintaining trails and the nature that he appreciated. Jim was predeceased by his wife Carolyn (nee Polidoro), and brothers John Peter, John Edwin, and Robert. He is survived by his children Jan Paul & Corinne Wright, and Natalie & Robert Perez, siblings Richard, Jerry, William, Julia, Janice, Crystal, & Brenda, grandchildren Natasha, Alexander, Thomas, Angela, Jimmy, Kali, Grace, Gianna, & Elizabeth and great-grandchildren Riley, Falyn, & Liam. Visitation will be Friday, March 19, 2021 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at F. John Ramsey Funeral Home Franklin, NJ. Graveside service will be held on March 20, 2021 at 10am in the North Hardyston Cemetery.