James M. Wright

James M. Wright, 87, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was born in Cadott, WI on February 6, 1939, to Arthur and Gladys (Dvorak) Wright. Jim and Arlene (Western) Wright were married on August 17, 1963. They welcomed two daughters, Lisa in 1969 and Stacey in 1972. His beloved grandchildren, Claire, Nora, Lydia, and Maks were a source of great pride and much joy. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Jim graduated from Chippewa Falls High School with the class of 1957, where he was an active member of the student body serving as the senior class president. He also enjoyed competing in school sports such as football, basketball, track, and field. Following high school, Jim served as a U.S. Army specialist in Germany, where his duties included flying planes, maintaining machinery, and servicing electrical systems. Upon returning home, he began his career at Northern States Power Company, working at the Chippewa hydroplant. While he held various roles during his 30-plus years with the company, he spoke most fondly of his time as a lineman, cherishing the days he spent working outdoors and climbing electrical poles. He retired from NSP in 1994.

An avid sportsman with a deep-rooted love for the outdoors, Jim was happiest in nature. He spent countless seasons hunting ducks and deer, fishing, and training his dogs for field trial competitions, often sharing these activities with his brother, nephew, and close friends. Jim and Arlene enjoyed traveling abroad, although he spoke most fondly of their adventures traveling across the United States with their camper. He truly enjoyed the time spent exploring national parks and landmarks alongside his wife, young daughters, and dear family friends.

Jim and his wife, Arlene, were committed to supporting their community—the same community where they grew up and raised their daughters. Together, they created a family endowment through the Community Foundation of Chippewa County and made several meaningful donations to the Chippewa History Center, the Chippewa Valley YMCA, and the Irvine Park Zoo. Jim and Arlene cherished living on Lake Wissota. They loved hosting friends and family at their home on Moon Bay for birthdays, holidays, and especially in the summer over the Fourth of July.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Yuri) Bereznitski and Stacey Wright; grandchildren, Claire Koehler, Nora Koehler, Lydia Bereznitski, and Maks Bereznitski; and brother, Robert Wright. In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection, he is reunited in Christ with his beloved wife, Arlene; parents, Arthur and Gladys Wright; sister-in-law, Jeanne Wright; brother-in-law, Peter Drivas; and nephew, Timothy Johnson.

A Celebration of Life for Jim and Arlene will be held on July 18, 2026, at Our Saviuor’s Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 11:30. This is open to all who loved and cared for them. Interment was at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Chippewa Community Foundation or Ducks Unlimited Wetlands Conservation.