John Sharp Wright

John Sharp Wright, 91, of Worthington, died on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Eva Wright, his infant brother, Joseph, and his infant daughter, Laura. His memory will live on through his family including his wife of 69 years, Jacquelyn; daughters Debbie Bender, Linda (Jeff) Barber, Diane (Scott) Simcox; grandchildren Laura (Derek) Purvis, Chelsea Simcox, Danielle Bender, Samantha (Dan) Stanley and Hannah Simcox; great-grandchildren, Guinevere and Thaddeus Purvis, and Teagan (Simcox) Goebel.

John attended school in Bexley, Ohio, transferring in his sophomore year to Greenbrier Military School, Lewisburg, WV. There he met the love of his life, Jacquelyn Montee, who attended the nearby Greenbrier College. John left GMS after completing an Associate in Arts Degree and entered the US Air Force pilot training program. He flew F-51 Mustangs and F-86 Sabre Jets. At the time of his discharge, he was a Squadron Commander in the USAF Res., with the rank of Captain. He later transferred to the Retired Reserve. After leaving the Air Force, John and Jacque moved to Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, where John worked for Budd Manufacturing Company in Detroit. John became the youngest supervisor in the company's history. He entered the life insurance business becoming a branch manager for Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada. John and Jacque returned to central Ohio, where John continued serving as Branch Manager with the same company. He later joined the Ohio State Life Insurance Company as a Superintendent of Agencies, with responsibility for seven states. A member of the National Association of Financial Planners, he worked in the Trust departments of both AmeriTrust and Banc Ohio National Bank where he was a Vice President and Manager of the Bank's Personal Financial Planning Department. He left Banc Ohio to join E.F. Hutton as a Financial Consultant and retired in 1990.

John was active in a number of Masonic organizations. He joined Harper Woods Lodge No. 585, Harper Woods, Michigan, in 1960, dimiting to York #563 in Columbus, Ohio in 1971. He became a member of Columbus Community Chapter #227 Royal Arch Masons in 1971, a member of Columbus Council No. 8 Royal and Select Masons in 1977, and a member of Columbus Commandery No. 69 Knights Templar of Ohio 1976. John joined the Scottish Rite Freemasons in the Valley of Columbus in 1962 where he served as Treasurer and Executive Secretary. He also chaired the Finance, Investment, Endowment and Masonic Temple Association Committees. John became a Thirty-Third Degree Mason and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 28, 1983 and an Active Member of the Supreme Council in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 1, 1993. He was elected as a Knight Companion of St. Jerome Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, in 1986, and served as Sovereign in 2004.

John has been a longtime member of Worthington Presbyterian Church. He was a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Worthington. He served the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce as a Christopher Club Member and a Past Admiral. He is a former member of the board of directors of the Columbus Senior Citizens Placement Bureau, as well as The Quiet Birdmen, the Downtown Kiwanis Club, the Columbus Athletic Club, Brookside Country Club and York Golf Club.

John had a variety of interests. He loved cars, golfing, riding his motorcycles and flying the various airplanes he owned during his lifetime. He oversaw the family farm and loved to take his three girls there. John and Jacque took many trips traveling and exploring throughout Europe. After he retired, he built model trains and stayed active by swimming, well into his 80's. But most of all, John was a fun and caring family man.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the pastoral staff of Worthington Presbyterian Church, for their visits and support. To the staff of Sunrise of Dublin and Capital City Hospice, we can't thank you enough. The care and compassion you gave to John, and still give to his wife, are amazing.

The family invites those who wish to celebrate John's life, to a service on Friday, April 17, 2020 at 1:00 pm, in the Sanctuary of Worthington Presbyterian Church, 773 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. Visitation with the family shall follow immediately after in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Charity Newsies, 4300 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214, or Worthington Presbyterian Church, 773 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085.