James Thomas Wright Jr.

James Thomas Wright Jr. Age 86, of Riverside, California. died September 20, 2015. He was born October 29, 1928 in Penn Hills Allegheny, Pa. son of James Sr. and Sarah May Wright. He served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1946 - 1948. James worked as a Correctional Captain for California Department of Corrections for 23 years. Surviving are son, James Thomas Wright III (Maria Olga); daughter, Vickie Mae Ockey (Greg); grandchildren Nicholas Ockey, Michelle Wright, Amber Vandemark, Anthony Becerra, Daniel Pena and great-grandson, Michael Vandemark. James was preceded in death by his parents and wife Ethel Adelaide Wright.James Thomas Wright Jr. Dad was born on October 29th 1928 to father, James Sr. and mother Mary in a home his father built on Coal Hollow Road in the hills outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A depression era baby, dads life values were established early on: - Work hard for what you need - Want not for more than you need - Help those in greater need - Appreciate the things you have This is the way he lived his life and the lessons he taught us all. As the youngest of 5 children, dad loved participating in activities with his older siblings, Brick, Ed, Hon and Grace. He developed the talent of wiggling his ears and would entertain the crowd at his brothers softball games performing for a nickel a pop. He mastered this skill over the years mesmerizing young and old alike. Dad frequently spoke of the great times they had growing up on Coal Hollow road with many relatives and friends nearby. In those days everyone had a nick name like Mutsy, Doggy and Hon. Dads nick name was “Red” because of his curly red hair. At the age of 9, dads mother passed leaving a void in his early life. His dad remarried a few years later to a local widower who had 5 children of her own, taking the household from 6 to 12. Being the same age, dad and new step brother Kent became instant friends. Dads love for golf came at an early age when he began caddying at Fox Chapel Golf Course at the age of 12. It was not uncommon for him to carry 2 bags per round and 2 rounds per day. He learned the game from the course members who were Doctors, Lawyers and successful businessmen. His favorite was Dick Miller, President of Pittsburgh Plate Glass, who would pick him up at home on the way to the course and if he didnt have a partner would let dad play along. He graduated from Penn High in 1946 and immediately enlisted in the Navy with brother Kent. Dad served as a gunners mate on the USS Macon. He was honored to have served his country and demonstrated his pride throughout his life. Upon being Honorably Discharged, dad began his civilian career with a job at Pittsburgh Plate Glass courtesy of his long time friend, Dick Miller, then onto Deere Brothers bus company as a bus driver. In 1949 Dad met a young lady, Ethel Adelaide Tasker, working in a butcher shop, hence her nickname “Butch”. Her mother opposed the relationship so they drove the short distance to Virginia, with best friends Dick and Norma Jean Burger, to be married. Her mom was furious but soon recognized what a great guy he truly was. Dad soon followed brother Ed into the field of law enforcement working at the Work House, a Pennsylvania State prison. Dad and Mom purchased their first home on nearby Universal Road and began planning for their family. In 1954 son, James III was born and in 1956 daughter Vickie. From that point forward dads number 1 priority was providing for his family. Dad learned of new opportunities in California so in 1963 he packed up his 1958 Edsel Station wagon and made the 4 day trek alone across the country to seek his fame and fortune. Remember, in 1963 the drive across the country was much different than it is today. Route 66 twisted and turned across the nation with very few services for long stretches along the way. First stop was in the City of Orange where dad worked in the Post Office and for Mayflower Moving Company. The family was reunited about 6 months later when Mom and kids flew to California. His Navy and work House experience proved invaluable as he soon was employed by the State of California as a Correctional Officer at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco. We purchased our second home and moved to La Sierra in 1964. The La Sierra home allowed dad to hone his home improvement skills always having one or two projects going on. Dad was a very social person making friends easily. He especially enjoyed playing cards with best friends Joe and Donna. Dad also loved baseball, coaching and holding the office of league President for the local Little League. Dad flourished in the Department of Corrections quickly moving up the ranks. In 1970 he was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Tehachapi California, two years later returning to La Sierra with a promotion to Lieutenant. In 1980 dad was promoted to Captain and took charge of the Patton State Mental Hospital in San Bernardino. In 1980 dad and mom were blessed with their first grandchild, Nicolas followed by Michelle then Amber born just 4 days apart in 1982 and Anthony and Daniel joining the family in 1999. Dad retired in 1986 moving to Golden Shores Arizona then building a home in Lake Havasu City Arizona where they enjoyed bingo, dancing, traveling, boating, golf and participating in many other local events. He was a member of the local VFW and Elks lodge and spent much time in support of both. Dad and mom traveled the country in their motor home for many years to visit friends and family, seeing all of the spectacular sites of our great nation. They loved traveling but were always glad to get back to their friends in Lake Havasu, a place they both truly loved. Dad participated in local city government and supported many causes like banning the nuclear dump site at Ward Valley. He frequently wrote to the president and state representatives to provide his perspective on national and local issues. Dad was the “Rock” of our family but in 2004 when mom passed we quickly realized that she was the foundation on which the rock stood. Her passing was devastating to him but with the help of hospice he learned to somewhat cope. In the process, he made many new life long friends that supported each other through the difficult times. His struggles with anxiety became more apparent with moms passing, an affliction he battled until the end. A year later, In 2005, dads great grand child Michael was born on our late mothers birthday. Over the next 7 years dad enjoyed the company of his many Lake Havasu friends, having coffee every morning with the boys at WalMart, a Saturday night dinner with the Hospice group, playing golf and helping friends anyway he could. In 2011 recognizing his memory condition was worsening, we made arrangements for dad to move to Valencia Terrace, a senior independent living facility in Corona, to be closer to family. Again, he made many new friends and enjoyed all of the amenities, social activities and necessary support they provided. Finally diagnosed with Alzheimers, we moved dad to Meridian Gardens in 2014. Once again, he made many new friends entertaining with his ear wiggling and dancing skills. A much more intimate environment and having a staff of Angels, they provided for his every need until his passing on September 20, 2015. Dad loved and was very proud of his entire family, frequently telling everyone what a great family he had and always ending our visits with “tell the whole family how much I love them” Loved by all, he will be dearly missed We take great comfort in knowing that Mom and Dad are reunited again. Jimmy Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery Staging Area #4 Thursday 1/1 Memorial Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary 951-687-0551 | Saturday 9/26, 10:00 am