Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

John William Bright, age 90, of Portland passed away Wednesday January 26, 2022 at Reid Hospital in Richmond. John was born in Winchester on April 29, 1931 the son of John Paul and Anna Jane (Day) Bright. He was married on October 24, 1951 to Barbara Gaynell Chew and she passed away on October 4, 2020. John served in the US Air force during the Korean Conflict. He was a 1949 Portland High School graduate, attended Butler University and graduated from Ball State University. John was a teacher and a coach having taught in Cambridge City, Selma and Albany. He was also principal at Randolph Southern. He is a member of Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, 1949 Indiana All Star Team, American Legion Post 211 and Church of the Brethren in Portland.

Surviving are one son Bill Bright of Fresno, California, three daughters Diana Jobe (husband Joe) of Portland, Bonnie Sabo (husband Mike) of Novi, Michigan and Rebecca Thornburg (husband Steve) of Portland, one brother Doug Bright (wife Nancy) of Jacksonville, Florida, one sister Beth Korahais (husband Jimmy) of Jacksonville, Florida, Eight grandchildren and Nine great grandchildren.

Private family services will be held in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin McClung presiding. Burial will be in the Salamonia Cemetery with military graveside honors. Memorials can be made to the Jay County Community Center or American Legion Post 211.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com