James H. Wright

SANBORNTON — On Oct. 23, 2026, the big, beautiful heart of James Howard Wright, beloved husband, father and grandfather, finally gave out.

He grew up in Eastport, Maine, son of Leroy (Speck) and Birdie (Mae) Wright, and brother to eight siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Corinne; children Wende (husband Greg), Karen, and Brad (wife Misty); grandchildren Tayler, Katherine, Nathan, Vivian and Owen; and was Uncle Jimmy to numerous nieces and nephews. James is preceded in death by son Wade.

Jim was a lifelong teacher. He began his teaching career in Wiscasset, Maine, teaching science, before moving to Damariscotta to become a principal. It was in this small town that he and Corinne lovingly grew their family with barely two nickels to rub together. That didn’t stand in the way of his desire to show his children the world around them, and he would often take his family on road trips, using the opportunity to educate them as he went. Jim went on to become the principal in Livermore Falls, Maine. He stayed there for nearly 20 years, leaving such an endearing impression that the school district named a building addition after him.

Science was his passion, and he constantly encouraged critical thinking by challenging the beliefs of everyone around him. It’s what made Jim special. He pushed you and forced you to think, and in doing that, made you see things in a way you’d never seen them before. Jim spread his love of science to his children and grandchildren, performing “magic tricks” (science experiments) before their amazed eyes. His love of teaching never left him.

He had a quiet, solid presence that made you lean in when he spoke (that, plus his Maine mumble). He commanded authority, but at the same time, you knew his heart was full of love. He and Corinne had a long, beautiful life together. They created a family with strong bonds, who still vacation together once a year, gathering back in Eastport, Maine, where it all started, every Fourth of July.

We just know Jim and Wade are up in heaven watching the Red Sox together.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at St. Joseph’s Parish, 96 Main St., Belmont.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Eastport Fourth of July Committee, eastport4th.com.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.