James Russell Wright

Carmel-by-the-Sea lost a good friend and mainstay of the community with the passing of James R. Wright March 25. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Beth Wright, his accomplished daughters, Kym Wright Youngdale (husband Steve) of Yosemite and Susan Wright Pollara (husband Paul) of Honolulu, an apple-of-his-eye grandson James Nolan Pollara (“Jimmy” who loves his “Tappa”), sister-in-law Sue Roberts of Carmel, a host of beloved nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends, all whose lives were brightened by his presence in them. Born March 17, 1932 in Washington DC, Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy following his graduation from that city’s Columbian Prep. His years of active duty from 1954 to 1977 began with his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and included two years at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey (ordnance engineer). Jim’s duty at sea included command of the USS Portage and the USS Shelton. He was awarded a Bronze Star–Combat V in 1973, retiring four years later with the rank of captain. He returned to the classroom in the 1980’s, gaining a juris doctorate at the Monterey College of Law. Jim was not just in the community, he was of the community. Starting in 1980, he served on the Carmel City Council for 14 years, was Executive Director of the Monterey History and Art Association and Project Manager for Development and Construction of the Stanton Center Maritime Museum. In 1988 he became the first recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award from the Carmel Residents Association. He also was presented with the Perry Newbury Award in 2007. Jim was a man of many interests. He loved reading and had an extensive collection of books. He enjoyed travel and he and Beth had their passports stamped with the names of many countries. He followed politics closely and discussed them, and other news developments of interest, with a keen and analytical mind. And while his modesty would probably prevent him from accepting the description “raconteur,” he had a knack for recounting life events in both an interesting and entertaining way. Jim was renowned for his calm demeanor, which made for a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere when one was in his presence. There are some who maintain that his calmness might even make a tornado stop and think it over! Those fortunate enough to know Jim will always remember a thoughtful, kind and decent man, a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather, who forever remained true to his values and principles. One of his joys was playing chess, and he was an accomplished player. If this game exists in Heaven, Jim may well be saying “Checkmate” to an opponent right about now. A private memorial is planned. The Wright Family requests that those wanting to honor Jim’s memory make a donation in his name to the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman fund, the Harrison Memorial Library Foundation or the Flanders Foundation.