James "Jimmy" Edwin Bright

James “Jimmy” Edwin Bright, age 72, passed away on the morning of Friday, May 7, 2021, after an extended illness. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was always in good spirits even though he was battling his illness. Jimmy was born in McDowell County on November 6, 1948 to the late Minnie Morgan Bright Thomas (Ervin) and Edwin Bright.

He is preceded in death by a brother, Robert “Bob” Bright of Michigan.

Jimmy was a veteran who served in Vietnam and after he returned, he worked various jobs before becoming a plumber/pipe fitter and working for more than thirty years before retiring in 2011. Jimmy loved going to the beach each year with his family and loved playing with his kids in the ocean when they were little and his grandchildren later on. He was able to enjoy one last trip in June of 2020. He will be remembered for his positive outlook, his very distinctive laugh and never meeting a stranger.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of forty-one years, Wendy Jones Bright; son, Brenton Bright (Renee), daughter, Casey Bright Wills (Harold Morgan); two grandsons, Carson Wills and Kaden Bright. He is also survived by his loving in-laws, Lloyd Jones (Susan), Penny Jones Hensley (Ned) and Dustin Jones (Amelia), his sister, Betty Holtzclaw and one brother, Joe Ray Bright (Sarah) both of Marion, a special sister-in-law, Jean Bright of Michigan and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service with Reverend Terry Roach officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.     

Flowers are accepted and appreciated, those wishing to make a donation in Jimmy’s memory are asked to consider, Care Partners Hospice-McDowell, Post Office Box 25338, Asheville, North Carolina 28813.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Rebecca Upton for the care she gave to Jimmy and his family.