KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — A longtime Lake County resident and former sheriff has died.

Sheriff James Wright died May 7.

“Sheriff Wright dedicated nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and our community,” the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said on its Facebook page.

Wright began his law enforcement career in 1964 as a reserve officer, the sheriff’s office said.

The biography shared by the sheriff’s office said that, in January 1969, Wright became an extra-help employee and after three months was hired as a full-time deputy sheriff. In 1973 he became a deputy sheriff II.

In March of 1979 he was promoted to patrol sergeant, the sheriff’s office said. In September 1981, he became a juvenile officer.

Wright ran for sheriff-coroner in 1990 and won a four-year term.

During his time in office, which lasted one term, he launched the Explorer and bicycle donation programs. Those efforts were an outgrowth of his passion for engaging young people and creating programs to engage the community.

The Explorers gave young people in the county the opportunity to serve the community and learn about all aspects of law enforcement at the same time.

The bicycle program involved having inmates at the Hill Road Correctional Facility refurbish abandoned or donated bicycles, tricycles, children's wagons and scooters, which were then gifted to children in need at Christmas. In 1994, it was reported that more than 110 bicycles were restored and given to children in Lake County.

At the end of a nearly 30-year career, Wright retired on Dec. 31, 1994.

In retirement, he stayed busy along with his wife, Barbara.

Wright was a volunteer in the Lake County Office of Emergency Services, served on the Dispute Resolution Advisory Committee and the Senior Citizens Advisory Board in Lakeport, and was an active member of Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, where he served on the Session, the church’s leadership council.

He also enjoyed gardening, travel and fishing, and time with his family.

His wife, Barbara, died in January of 2024.

The couple is survived by their adult children, as well as their children and great-grandchildren, and many friends.

“Sheriff Wright's commitment, compassion and leadership touched countless lives. We are grateful for his unwavering dedication and proud to have served alongside him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him,” the sheriff’s office said.

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