James "Jim" Wright
June 1, 1947 ~ June 12, 2023 (age 76) 76 Years Old
Obituary
We are deeply saddened to share that James (Jim) Richard Wright passed away Monday June 12, 2023. He was an only child and is survived by his wife of 20 years Sande, daughter Shannon, son Phillip, stepson Aron, grandchildren Kennedy and Hudson, and their mother Kourtney.
Jim was born on June 1, 1947, in Honolulu Hawaii. Moving to Garden Grove California as a young child, he later graduated from Bolsa Grande High School. Jim attended California Lutheran University where he played football. After graduation he went to work for Trader Joe’s, where he began many lifelong friendships. Jim married Donna Glunt in 1971. They had 2 children, Shannon Marie in 1975 and Phillip James in 1977. After working at Trader Joe’s for many years he worked for several other wine and spirit companies including Stimson Lane. A very well liked and well known local businessman, Jim had many friends and hundreds of acquaintances. His bar, San Souci, (2000) in downtown Ventura was a famous watering hole and gather place.
He was always around to shoot the breeze with his friends, calling it “solving the world’s problems.” He owned Jimmy’s Slice Pizza restaurant (2008) on Ventura’s Main Street, and was landlord to several other businesses and restaurants. A loving Father and Grandfather, Jim was always willing to help his children in their various business endeavors. Jim and Sande ran their businesses well and happily helped many of their employees in times of need. They were “family.” In March of 2004 he married Sande Cranford (having been a couple since 1997) and became stepfather to Aron. They lived in their Ventura home for many happy years along with their beloved pets. Jim loved walking the beach in front of his home and cooking family meals. Grilling steaks with Phil and helping cook the rest of the meal with Sande, Kourtney and/or Shannon. Jim adored his two grandchildren, Kennedy and Hudson. Among his many interests and hobbies he loved being with Sande in their trailer and camping with the grandchildren. After every trip he’d say they were “perfect “! They could do no wrong. They were a huge part of his life and never left his heart or mind. Spending time with his family was most special to Jim. He loved smoking cigars with his friends on the Sans Souci patio. Many a cigar aficionado loved Jim as host of regular downtown cigar/whiskey dinners.
Many of Jim’s dearest friends would say, Jim was a kind man, generous, and caring. His family and the Ventura community will miss his presence greatly.
I lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the American Heart Association (link below) or plant a tree in Jims memory. (Please, no flowers.)
A Celebration of Jim's Life is planned for 2 p.m, Sunday, July 30, 2023, Buenaventura State Beach. Bring a funny story/memory of Jim.
Arrangements are in the care of Otto & Son's, Channel Islands Cremations, Ventura.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim" Wright, please visit our floral store.
Services
Celebration of Life
SundayJuly 30, 2023
2:00 PM
Buena Ventura State Beach
901 San Pedro St
Ventura, CA 93001
Ongoing
Online Event
Online Event
In Loving Memory Of
James Wright
June 1, 1947-June 12, 2023
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Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book.
Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book.
Donations
American Heart Association
Web: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give?form=FUNPHPZDXBX&s_src=23L511AEMG&s_subsrc=fy23_j
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