James Wright, 92, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his 10 children: Jim Wright Jr., John Wright, Margaret Smith, Mary Ankeny, Michael Wright, Robert Wright, Jeanne Hansen, Leo Wright, Cathy Register, and Patrick Wright; his sisters Therese Wright and Joan Barrosse; his brother Robert Wright; and he especially loved his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife Helen, and his brothers, Joseph and Jack.
Wright was born in Archbald, Pa., in 1923. He believed in God, Country and Family.
He survived rheumatic fever in his teenage years to become an ironworker, building skyscrapers in New York City, working in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty.
When the country was thrown into WWII, Wright volunteered for the US Navy and served on the submarine USS Bumper (SS 333) in the Pacific. He was based in Perth, Australia.
After the war, he used the GI bill to attend the University of Miami, where he earned a degree in Law.
His sister Joan introduced him to the love of his life and his future wife of 48 years, Helen A. Langan. They had 10 children together, all raised in Vero Beach, the city he loved.
Wright was a lifelong Catholic, an active member of St. Helens Catholic Church, serving God in many roles such as a lector, Extraordinary Minister, usher and many other ministries. He was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
He deeply believed in giving back to his community as he exemplified by being a founding member of the Indian River Volunteer Ambulance Squad, including serving as chief for several years. He also enjoyed supporting his children in the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts. He was also politically active, supporting candidates he believed would make a positive difference.
He was a licensed alligator hunter and enjoyed hunting with his sons.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 10, at Lowther Funeral Home in Vero Beach.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by his grandson, Fr. Kyle Smith.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Southeast Honor Flight – P.O. Box 1503, Stuart, FL 34995 or St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach.
