WRIGHT, JAMES I. 'JIMMY' Chiefland - Mr. James I. 'Jimmy' Wright, known to his grandchildren as 'Pawpaw', 78 of Chiefland, Florida, passed away Friday, December 12, 2014 at his home. Jimmy was born on October 27, 1936 in Tampa, Florida to the late Viola Stokes Watson (Perdue) of Williston, Florida. In addition to his mother and step-father, Rice Watson, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughters, Michelle Sims, Rhonda Wright and Lisa Nutter; brothers, Clyde Wright, George and Frank Watson; and grandson, Cameron 'Sims' Wright. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 38 years Taryn A. Wright; children, Jesica M. Wright & Jami L. Wright of Chiefland, FL; John I. Wright and Renee E. Wright of Ocala, FL; grandchildren, James E. Ricketson, Elijah A. 'Eli' Sache, Lorelei Sache, Robyn A. Wright, Garrett R. Sims, and Brian E. Wright of Chiefland, FL; Casey Wright and Amber Mullins of Bristol, TN; and Paul Dill of Ocala, FL; great grandchildren, Ariana, Virginia, Elisabeth and Kaelynn; brother, Hughie B. Watson of Old Town, Florida and a host of nieces and nephews and many other family members and friends. Jimmy was proud of his heritage and regularly stated, 'I was born and bred a Florida Cracker!' He left school after seventh grade to help support the family. Because of his charity and generosity, he contributed moral and financial support to many other family members and friends. He was an accomplished heavy equipment operator and worked throughout the United States and in the Caribbean, contributing towards many construction, agricultural and disaster relief projects. His passions included music, sports, vacationing, animals, family and good ole' southern food. He enjoyed country music and played steel guitar in various bands for many, many years. Jimmy loved sports, especially college football and the Florida State Seminoles... he even had some empathy for his Gator, 'Cane and 'Bama friends. Children were drawn to Jimmy, they seemed to know they could trust him... he always had time for little folks. To all who knew him, Jimmy was outgoing, caring and considerate. In his own special way, he was an excellent role model for family and friends, young and old. He was an eager and adept storyteller and would often regale others with colorful stories... usually appropriate. Jimmy rarely met a stranger... when he did, they weren't strangers for long. He dearly loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed being around all of them. Jimmy always went above and beyond, he was truly a 'giver' and not a 'taker.' He was best known for his kindness, he was truly loved and will forever live in our hearts. The family will receive friends in his home on Wednesday, December 17, 2014, from 4:00 pm until 7:00pm to memorialize the beautiful life of Jimmy Wright. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Haven Hospice of Chiefland, Florida or your favorite charity. .