James “Jim” Wright, 90, of Russell, passed away on, Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton. Jim was born on December 19, 1935, at Yocom Hospital in Chariton, the oldest son of Earl and Isabel Wright. Many people also knew Jim as “Herbie” over the years, a name he got from hanging around his Uncle Herb.
Jim grew up on the family farm in eastern Lucas County. As a boy, he walked over a mile to country school every day and later graduated from Russell High School with the class of 1954. Growing up on the farm meant there was always work to be done, milking cows, raising crops, baling hay, and caring for cattle and hogs. Jim was not afraid of hard work and was something he would carry throughout his entire life.
On Easter Sunday, April 6, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Judith Kuder at the Methodist Church in Corydon. The beginning of 68 wonderful years. Together they built their life on the family’s Century Farm where they raised their children, Gene and Mary. Jim never imagined raising his family anywhere else
While farming was his life’s work, Jim also had a strong passion for serving his community. In 1982, he was elected to the Lucas County Board of Supervisors, where he served for 18 years. He also gave his time and leadership to many organizations, including 10-15 Transit, the Southern Iowa Area Crime Commission, Lucas County Senior Citizens, Russell School Board, Lucas County Hospital Board, and the Chariton Valley REC Board, among others. For his years of dedication and service, he was honored with the Governor’s State Volunteer Award, a recognition that truly reflected the kind of man he was.
Jim loved sports, especially when it meant cheering on his kids and grandkids. He never missed a ballgame or dance recital. He was a loyal Iowa Hawkeyes fan and longtime season ticket holder, often joking that he’d seen his fair share of losing seasons. He also enjoyed following the St. Louis Cardinals, watching every ball game on T.V. In his quieter moments, you could often find him on a mower, taking pride in keeping the farm looking just right or helping care for the Chariton school grounds.
Faith was also a cornerstone throughout Jim’s life. He grew up attending Bethel Church near the farm and later became a devoted member of the Russell United Methodist Church, where he served and helped wherever he was needed
Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Judi; children, Gene (Paula) Wright, and Mary (Ed) Nichols; brother, Alvin Wright; grandchildren: Alison Wright, Ashley (Kevin) Wright Shannon, Jessica (Sean) Eikenberry, Alex (Alexis) Wright, Lindsay (Nick) McCullough, and Josh Nichols; great grandchildren: Isabella, Charlie, Taylor, Owen, Maxwell, Langan, James, and one on the way; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Isabel, and his infant daughter, Kathy Lea.
Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. A Luncheon will be held following the service for a time of continued fellowship. Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at the Bethel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Russell Fire Department.
