Well-known in the town as a retired mineral water manufacturer, Mr. James William Bright, of 74 Washbrook-road, Rushden, passed away on Wednesday evening, February 16^th.       

Though in failing health for some time, Mr. Bright had remained fairly active up to a few weeks before his death. Aged 71 years, he was a native of Sherington, Bucks., and had lived in Rushden for 40 years.

A trustee of the Park-road Methodist Church, for many years, he retained this position up to his death, during the last year or so had also been the caretaker of St. Peter's Church.

Mr. Bright leaves a wife, one daughter and two grandchildren. The daughter, Mrs. M. Waterton, is at present in Australia, to which country she was evacuated from Hong-Kong, where her husband, formerly a senior wireless operator for the G.P.O., has been interned by the Japs.

The funeral took place on Monday, the Rev. Edwin Hirst, assisted by the Rev. W. G. B. Snell, conducting the service in St. Peter’s Church. The mourners were: Mrs. A. Bright (widow), Mr. H. Bright (brother), Mr. and Mrs. H. Walker. Mr. and Mrs. R. West, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Spicer (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law). Also present at the church were the Rev. N. P. Goldhawk, of the Park-road Methodist Church, Miss W. Clipson and Mrs F. J. Sherwood, representing the First Aid Post.

Floral tributes were inscribed: In loving memory of my dear husband from his wife, also Marjorie, Douglas and grandchildren, Australia; With loving thoughts from Reg and Flossie, Bessie and Eddie, Bedford; In loving memory of Uncle Jim, Ralph and Megan, Bedford; In memory of a long friendship from Mr. and Mrs. Spicer and family; In memory of a friend from Mr. and Mrs. Dickens and Lily; In loving memory from Mrs. Waterton and family at Berkhampstead; With deepest sympathy from M. Boys; With deepest sympathy, Mr. and Mrs. J. Arnold; In fondest remembrance of Mr. Bright from 76, Washbrook Road.

Mr. L. Clark was the undertaker.