James Skelly Wright, Jr.
August 26, 1947 ~ December 31, 2024
Born in:
Washington, D.C.
Resided in:
Washington, D.C.
James Skelly Wright, Jr., 77, died on December 31, 2024, His death occurred at home, with his wife, Anne, by his side. Jim was an attorney, and practiced civil litigation in New York and Washington DC.
Though a Washington native, Jim spent most of his youth in New Orleans, his father’s birthplace. He had an enduring fondness for the city and its unique culture.
In 1962, Jim returned with his family to Washington. After graduating from St. Albans School, he received degrees from Wesleyan University and the University of Chicago Law School. His first job as an attorney was with Cahill, Gordon & Reindel, a law firm in New York.
While working at Cahill, Jim met his future wife when they both participated — albeit on opposing sides — in a high-profile trial. Though a Manhattan courtroom may appear an unlikely backdrop for romance, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October 2024.
In the mid-1970’s, Jim and Anne moved from New York to Washington DC, and purchased their first home: a circa 1900 Capitol Hill townhouse. The couple’s interest in preservation and appreciation for living in an historic neighborhood increased over the ensuing decades, as they embarked on multiple restoration/renovation initiatives. As Winston Churchill correctly observed, “[w]e shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”
For over 10 years, Jim served on the board of Barracks Row Main Street, a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing Capitol Hill’s Barracks Row, the oldest commercial corridor in the nation’s capital.
Jim’s recreational interests included high-performance driving (he volunteered as an instructor at numerous club-sponsored track events), scuba, and travel. Together, Jim and Anne visited all seven continents. The couple had returned from New Zealand just one day before Jim’s death.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Judge J. Skelly Wright and Helen Patton Wright. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind a sister-in-law, and multiple cousins, nephews/nieces, and grand-nieces.
A celebration of Jim’s life will take place at later date.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution might consider two charities that Jim supported: the Anacostia Watershed Society, and the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in James Skelly Wright, Jr. 's name.
Anacostia Watershed Society
The George Washington House 4302 Baltimore Avenue
Bladensburg,
MD
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Jim was a constant in my life growing up. As one of my father’s oldest and dearest friends, I always admired his intelligence and was inspired by his love of traveling. He was someone I knew to be quietly thoughtful, and his advice and perspective were always informed by his diverse and extensive experiences. Beyond that though, I know if I called him or reached out for anything at all, he would be there for me. I am devastated by this loss, and the loss of his friendship for my entire family. Jim was very loved in the Weir household.
Farewell old Buddy. I will miss our great conversations.
I remember with thanks Jim’s guidance to me as a young lawyer many years ago. Rest in peace Jim.
I worked with Jim’s wife, Anne, for more than two decades. I saw Jim on several social occasions. I admired his quick intelligence and wit. He will be missed.