University of Houston Professor of Law Emeritus, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 28, 2012. James was born in Houston, Texas on February 6, 1928, to James Houston and Evelyn Haby Wright. He was proud to be a member of the 1945 graduating class of Lamar High School. He served in the United States Army at the end of World War II, and graduated from the University of Houston. He attended law school at night at the University of Houston while working full time. He obtained an LL.M. degree from the University of Michigan with a specialization in tax. Professor Wright practiced law briefly and spent his legal career teaching tax law at the University of Houston for 26 years.
James was a long-time member of Parkway Fellowship, a ministry of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He served on local, district, and national boards for that denomination. He and Gloria sponsored Vietnamese and Laotian refugees in the 1970's and he continued to befriend and advise these dear friends until the end of his days. James leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity, witnessed by all who knew him.
He was predeceased by his first wife Gloria, and by his grandson Max Silver. He is survived by his second wife Janice, son Jim and Shirley Wright and their children Stephanie and Ryan Seckinger (and their children Elizabeth, Ruth, and James), Leigh and Vernon Bowen (and their children Katheryn and Annabelle), and Bonnie Wright, son John and Carol Wright and their children Zachary James and Aaron, son Tom and Susan Wright and their children Charles, Rikki (and their son Pearson James Wright), Andrew and Lisa Wright, and Katharine Wright, and daughter Mary and Randy Stark and their son Benjamin James Silver. He is also survived by Janice's son Rob and Lisa Heffer and their children Rachael and Ashton Reynolds (and their daughter Ellasyn), and Josh and Karen Heffer, daughter Tami and David Gilmore and their children Matthew, Megan, and Michael, son Timothy and Meg Heffer and their children Cody and Paige, and son Jonathan and Lori Heffer and their children Cole and Tyler. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. James and Janice spent many hours interceding daily with their heavenly father on behalf of each and every one of their family members.
The family would like to thank the fine medical staff at Methodist Hospital Sugar Land and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospice. James was attended by several very skilled and caring physicians, including Asia Lo, S. Mohammed, Amer A. Khan, and especially John E. Rea III, whom James was proud to call his doctor and his friend.
Pallbearers will be Jim, John, and Tom Wright, Randy Stark, Rob, Tim, and Jonathan Heffer, and David Gilmore. Honorary pallbearers: Mike Gates, Joe Wilson, Glen Beeler, Dave Hill, Brian Hill, Jim Fry, Bob Weatherall, Mike Cenatiempo, Dean Gerald Treece and William Robinson.
Visitation is at Forest Park Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas 77077 on Friday March 30, 5-8 pm. Funeral Service at Parkway Fellowship, 13413 Briar Forest Drive Houston, TX 77077, Saturday March 31, 10 a.m. Internment at Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038, Monday April 2, 9:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the missions fund at Parkway Fellowship. James believed, in the words of the founder of the C&MA, "Jesus only is our message – Savior Sanctifier, Healer, Glorious Lord and Coming King."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 5, 2012
Gail Harrison
John, So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Gail
April 2, 2012
Jack and Jonelle Sullivan
We extend our prayers and condolences at this time of your loss. We know that our separation is temporary, but it no less painful. James was one of those people whom I immediately admired when I came to Houston in 1959. Over the years he was an inspiration and a friend. It was our privilege to be able to visit with James and Janice the last time we were in Houston. May the Lord's peace and grace abound in your lives.
LOve
Jack and Jonelle Sullivan
March 31, 2012
Sharon and Ed Mangham
What a wonderful man has entered into the presence of His Lord. We are sad for the loneliness you feel, and especially for Janice. Our prayers reach out on your behalf. Most lovingly.
March 31, 2012
Anita, Carlos, James, and Daniel Oblitas
Although our family knew James for a short time, he was so sweet to our children and opened his heart to us. He and Janice's prayers for our children will not be forgotten and we will always remember his kind words and smile. May the blessing of his being with his Savior bring peace to your minds and hearts.
March 31, 2012
Des and I share your pain and would make it vanish if we could do so, but we also recognize the immense pride that all of you must have in the strength of your family's values and Father Jim's importance to them. Des and Bill Dorsaneo (Dallas, TX)
March 31, 2012
Stephen & Eileen Hill
No matter how occasional be the encounter, James always put such a genuine delight behind his greeting. That won an immediate eagerness to hear what he might have to say of Christ's relevance to us 'listeners.' As sorry as we are for your loss we also know that you've been privileged to have had his Godly nurturing for so many years - terrific! Glorious to know what he's experiencing in the presence of Christ just now. We continue in prayer for you all.
March 30, 2012
We became friends with James when we started attending Parkway Fellowship Church. He was one of the best friends we ever had. He always built us up when we were down, He always very graciously gave us advice when we asked him. After we moved to Round Rock and he came to visit us we really enjoy his company, even when he had a dibetic coma. We always looked forward to him coming to visit us. We always enjoyed his many phone calls to us. We love each one of his family. Our prayers go out to all the family in the lost of their loved one. Love Claudne & Glen Beeler
March 30, 2012
Eric and Martha Barton
Our prayers are with your family during this time of loss. The Rob Heffer family are long time friends of ours from Central Baptist Church of Bryan.
March 30, 2012
James will ever be in our hearts and memories. We love you all so much. May the sweet peace of Jesus give you comfort.
Cousins--John and Dorothy Abel and family
March 30, 2012
Hoyle and Tamara Granger
We are sorry for your loss and will pray for your family. Heaven has an incredible new angel.
March 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Rick and Tracy Cratty
March 29, 2012
We will miss you dearly, Uncle Jim. I know you are in good company up there! Love you dearly, Michele, Alli, Brianna and Chelsea
March 29, 2012
What a man that God had Made!. To me, Mr. James Wright is a perfect person that anyone wants to be. My wife, Thien is one of the family member of the Tran's that James and Gloria sponsored from VietNam. James is really one of our fathers. He has been the one that we can share our sorrow and happiness. What we have and accomplish to today are creduted a lot to James and Gloria. May the Lord provide comfort to all family members during his departure of this earth.
Thien & Viet Dang and family
THAT IS MY FATHER!
My father is the evergreen on the mountain top
Standing tall in snow cap during the winter
In raining seasons when the strong wind blows
Through the years, my father 's always calm and steadfast
March 29, 2012
Viet & Thien Dang
What a man that God had Made!. To me, Mr. James Wright is a perfect person that anyone wants to be. My wife, Thien is one of the family member of the Tran's that James and Gloria sponsored from VietNam. James is really one of our fathers. He has been the one that we can share our sorrow and happiness. What we have and accomplish to today are creduted a lot to James and Gloria. May the Lord provide comfort to all family members during his departure of this earth.
Thien & Viet Dang and family
THAT IS MY FATHER!
My father is the evergreen on the mountain top
Standing tall in snow cap during the winter
In raining seasons when the strong wind blows
Through the years, my father 's always calm and steadfast
March 29, 2012
Viet Dang
What a man that God had Made!. To me, Mr. James Wright is a perfect person that anyone wants to be. My wife, Thien is one of the family member of the Tran's that James and Gloria sponsored from VietNam. James is really one of our fathers. He has been the one that we can share our sorrow and happiness. What we have and accomplish to today are creduted a lot to James and Gloria. May the Lord provide comfort to all family members during his departure of this earth.
Thien & Viet Dang and family
THAT IS MY FATHER!
My father is the evergreen on the mountain top
Standing tall in snow cap during the winter
In raining seasons when the strong wind blows
Through the years, my father 's always calm and steadfast
My father is the sun rays of the morning best
Beaming to guide me the purpose of my life
Keeping my feet warm during long paths and lonely nights
And he shows to me a life full of hope
The big ocean is my father's heart
Receiving water falls from the top of the mountains
Giving me fresh air and cool winds I breath
The songs of waves rocking me to sleep
My father is light house in darkness of the night
When I get confused and lost while I face the future
The light keeps flashing and it has endured
I reach back to harbor after many times I get lost
My father is the tall mountain that I can always look up
Protecting me with peace and security
If life is ever changing I will not be shaken
For his sacrifices I ever thanks him enough
Praise the Lord, my father James is the best
He is a treasure with the purpose of The Above
Ever challenge growth, he trusts the Lord
My best father that God just created for me to be with
Dedicated to Mr. James Wright
From Viet, Thien Dang and children: Gloria/Tony (Isaac, Evan), Van/Lisa and Vincent
March 29, 2012
Viet & Thien Dang
What a man that God had made!. To me, Mr. James Wright is the perfect person that anyone want to be. Thien, my wife is one member of the Tran family that James and Gloria sponsored from VietNam 1975. To us he is one of our fathers. What we have and accomplish to today are credited most to James and Gloria. James is the one that we can share our sorrow and happiness. May the Lord provide comfort to all members of the family in departure of this earth.
Viet Thien and Family in Portland, Oregon
THAT IS MY FATHER!
My father is the evergreen on the mountain top
Standing tall in snow cap during the winter
In raining seasons when the strong wind blows
Through the years, my father 's always calm and steadfast
My father is the sun rays of the morning best
Beaming to guide me the purpose of my life
Keeping my feet warm during long paths and lonely nights
And he shows to me a life full of hope
The big ocean is my father's heart
Receiving water falls from the top of the mountains
Giving me fresh air and cool winds I breath
The songs of waves rocking me to sleep
My father is light house in darkness of the night
When I get confused and lost while I face the future
The light keeps flashing and it has endured
I reach back to harbor after many times I get lost
My father is the tall mountain that I can always look up
Protecting me with peace and security
If life is ever changing I will not be shaken
For his sacrifices I ever thanks him enough
Praise the Lord, my father James is the best
He is a treasure with the purpose of The Above
Ever challenge growth, he trusts the Lord
My best father that God just created for me to be with
Dedicated to Mr. James Wright
From Viet, Thien Dang and children: Gloria/Tony (Isaac, Evan), Van/Lisa and Vincent
March 29, 2012
Viet Thien Dang
What a man that God had made!. To me, Mr. James Wright is the perfect person that anyone want to be. Thien, my wife is one member of the Tran family that James and Gloria sponsored from VietNam 1975. To us he is one of our fathers. What we have and accomplish to today are credited most to James and Gloria. James is the one that we can share our sorrow and happiness with. May the Lord provide comfort to all members of the family in his departure from this earth.
Viet Thien and Family in Portland, Oregon
THAT IS MY FATHER!
My father is the evergreen on the mountain top.
Standing tall in snow cap during the winter.
In raining seasons when the strong wind blows.
Through the years, my father 's always calm and steadfast.
My father is the sun rays of the morning best.
Beaming to guide me the purpose of my life.
Keeping my feet warm during long paths and lonely nights.
And he shows to me a life full of hope.
The big ocean is my father's heart.
Receiving water falls from the top of the mountains.
Giving me fresh air and cool winds I breath.
The songs of waves rocking me to sleep.
My father is light house in darkness of the night.
When I get confused and lost while I face the future.
The light keeps flashing and it has endured.
I reach back to harbor after many times I get lost.
My father is the tall mountain that I can always look up.
Protecting me with peace and security
If life is ever changing I will not be shaken.
For his sacrifices I ever thanks him enough.
Praise the Lord, my father James is the best.
He is a treasure with the purpose of The Above.
Ever challenge growth, he trusts the Lord.
My best father that God just created for me to be with.
Dedicated to Mr. James Wright
From Viet, Thien Dang and children: Gloria/Tony (Isaac, Evan), Van/Lisa and Vincent
March 29, 2012
Olga Moya-Sanborn
Janice, my friend,
My prayers are with you and your entire family. James will rest in peace.
Thinking of you.
Olga and Ira Sanborn
March 29, 2012
Mike Cenatiempo
He was my teacher and one of my valued mentors in law school. He not only taught us well, very well, he was our role model for living life as it should be. He also gave me a great friend in his son, Tom.
Thank you, Professor, for teaching all of us so well and for allowing us to experience your wisdom. May God embrace you with eternal peace and joy.
March 29, 2012
Lucy Forbes
Tom, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was really an honor to know your dad and work with him on appeals. His brilliance was matched by his humbleness, kindness, and service to his faith, family, and community. May God rest his soul.
March 29, 2012
Bach Nguyen
Dear Mrs. Wright & Family,
We were privileged to know Mr. Wright.
He was a man with compassion, kindness to the people of Vietnamses Alliance Church (VAC).
We were greatful to know a faithful man in Christ, and now he rejoices with Him.
We are praying for God's loving arms to be around Mrs. Wright & family, for comfort and for peace (John 14:27).
We all will see him and our Savior in Haven!
Pastor Bach Nguyen & Family.
VAC of Houston, Texas.
March 29, 2012
Julie Kemper
James was such a kind-hearted and dear man. I was fortunate to have known him and will miss him! He raised a wonderful family and the world is blessed with his legacy.
March 29, 2012
Daniel Matthews
I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
March 29, 2012
I had the privilege of sering with Jim on the national rules committee of the C&MA. The two of us were assigned work for that committee. I enjoyed getting to know him, his sweet spirit, his clear thinking. I am so happy that he now is with Jesus.
Pastor Robert Hollowell
March 28, 2012
Vern and Frances Wynn
We were privileged to know James when we lived in Houston in the 80's. He was a strong christian and a good friend. We visited him and Janice the last time we were in Houston and have happy memories of that visit. May the God of All Comfort hold all of James' family very close to His great heart of love. He awaits you in heaven.
March 28, 2012
Ira Shepard
Jim was an excellent teacher and a wonderful colleague. The many students to whom he taught Federal tax law at the University of Houston Law Center will remember him with fondness. As his tax colleague, I admired the way he could convey the subject matter to his students. He was one of the few truly humble men I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
March 28, 2012
Mike and Rhonda Gates
May the Lord be very dear to each one of you in the loss of your dear one. I KNOW you will miss him even though you knew the time was near. Praying for God's loving arms to be around you, for comfort and for peace.
We love you,
Mike, Rhonda and family
March 28, 2012
Russ & Sarah Hollenbeck
We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
March 28, 2012
Wright Family, We are so sorry for your loss. James was a wonderful man who brought such joy to us when we saw him. We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and always. Love, Lawrence Haby and Family
March 28, 2012
Charles Wright
Let us continue the legacy that Poppy leaves behind.
- #1 grandson/"Charlie-man"
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