I am heart broken to have to post this, but Dr James Claude Wright has just passed away at Virginia Beach General Hospital (2:55 pm). Many on this board knew him personally the rest of us knew him from his videos, we all loved and respect this grand old man of saltwater fishing. Through his videos he taught many of us how to fish the Virginia coast, IM one of them. His passion was always about the sport, his videos were always about the the thrill of fishing and always centered on his guest, never DR. Jim. He was a soft spoken easy going teacher, easy to learn from.

Please give your thoughts and prayers to his close friends and family.

Jim Wright was a fishing icon, a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration for the entire fishing community. His guidance, motivation, and support encouraged me to become the angler I am today. He truly loved to see others excel in fishing, and I have never met anyone with so much passion for the sport. He not only taught others to fish, he also anonymously funded children's tournaments, and donated many fishing trips to angler's clubs and other organizations.

He told me a week ago that he has accomplished everything he wanted to do in his life. I would be honored to achieve half of what he’s done. He will truly be missed. The world of fishing will never be the same.
As Don Lancaster told me...."between Dr. Jim and Don Foreman, the celestial waters are in trouble...." He is so right.

My thoughts are with his family...I'll miss you Jim.

Julie

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!! God Bless Dr Jim, God Bless!!

Very very sad to hear. I never had the pleasure to meet Dr Jim personally..
but from what I saw I believe he was one of a kind. God Bless...


Tom

Sorry to hear the News about Dr Jim.I will miss the Red Boat out on this areas water.The first time I met him it was 1979 and he taught me how to wire line fish for Grey trout over the CBBT tube.He was like a fishing encyclopedia.He deserves a "21 Cast Salute"

We'll miss you Dr Jim

Tight lines Dr. Jim!

Many thanks from the crew of "Therapy".

Kudos to Dr. Jim and Therapy crew. A true gentlemen that will be dearly missed by this community.

A sad day indeed. Life is too short...

Wow...that's a great loss to everyone....My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Having just lost a close family member, I found the best way to get through this is to remember all the good times, that shouldn't be hard to do with Dr. Jim....Bob

My sympathy to David and the family for the loss. What a great spokesman for the area and the sport, he has been an inspiration to us all! God bless and god speed Dr Jim, you have helped make this world a better place!

- Bo

Regrets and Prayers for the Wright family.

-Mike

Condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Jim. I didn't know him personally but he always had a smile and a big wave when we'd pass each other on the water. Fins, Firs, and Feathers writer, Jim Mays, said of my father when he passed away back in 1967, fish are breathing a sigh of relief now that he's gone. I suppose that's the ultimate compliment a sport fisherman can recieve. It certainly applies to Jim Wright. I hope some kind of annual trophy can be established in his name as a memorial.

Art McDonough

Condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Jim.

Unfortunately I did not get the opportunity to meet or fish with him. Judging by your posts he must have been a special individual.

Is there a link or location for videos mentioned above?

TO WATCH VIDEOS "FOR FREE" GO TO "drjimsaltwaterfishing.com"AND LOOK UNDER T.V. PROGRAM.
Thanks for all your kindness,everybody.

I just watched his cobia video a couple of weeks ago--a tremendous help and it led us to hookup our first two cobia ever.

Condolences to the family. I am sure he will be missed sorely.

Dr Jim lead me to catching two Cobia on my first trip from watching one video he put out (one was soloed by my 8yr old son). The Hampton Roads area lost a friend, mentor, and all around sports icon. Farewell and following seas Dr. Wright. You will be missed by all.

Went to school with Dave and fish /worked for Dr. Wright. A very sad day indeed.

That man was the most passionate man about fishing and sharing his knowledge

with other people that I have ever seen. My thoughts and prayers go out to the

entire Wright family. Rest in Pease Doc..........................Dennis

My deepest sympathy go out to his family. I never met the guy but, spent a many sat. mornings watching his shows. He seemed like a very nice fellow that just wanted to spread his vast knowledge of fishing to everyone. Thanks Dr. Jim

I watched those videos a few weeks ago, I found the link on the "high hopes" site.

Made me rethink my Drum fishing tactics for next year.

I sent the link to many of my buddies, It was good to see a "where to go and how to do it" video.

Thanks Dr Wright

Eric

Rest in Peace old friend. You will be sorely missed.

Flowers have been sent ------ Flowers for DR Jim from VBSF.net friends link

My thoughts and prayers go to the Wright family.

I went to the family and friends gathering last nite at the funeral home and the VBSF flowers were beautiful. Just thought you would like to know. There was a good turnout and he will be sorely missed here at Long Bay Pointe Marina.
Va.

Thanks agian,everybody.