H. J. Jim Wright, III

H. J. Jim Wright III fought his last battle on Saturday, February 3, 2007. He was born and raised in the area of Greens Bayou in Houston Texas. Jim attended school in Galena Park, where he excelled in all the sports.

At 16, Jim enlisted into the Marine Corps, which made him the second youngest legally enlisted Marine in WWII. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, for his basic training, then to Paratroop Training and finally a Drill Instructor.

It was during this time as an extra during the filming of the "The Fighting Seabee's", Jim started his long time friendship with John Wayne, his family and friends. Jim was in several of John Wayne movies. The most notable was "The Alamo" which he was cast in several parts and as a stuntman.

Jim saw combat with the 5th Marine Division at Iwo Jima for which he was decorated with 4 Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star. He spent 3years in Oakland Naval Hospital recovering from his many reconstructive surgeries.

He returned home to Houston and attended the University of Houston where he earned his degrees, Diesel Engineering Certificate, Bachelor of Science, Masters of Education, and PhD in Kinesiology.

Jim then became an Asst. Coach and taught at the University of Houston. He was also their Assoc. Trainer in Athletic Injury & Rehabilitation.

Jim later accepted a position as a Systems Engineer with Remington Rand Inc. But his heart was in teaching and coaching so he returned to it as an Asst. Coach & teacher at Lamar Middle school in Houston.

After a time he began his long career in association with the YMCA, First as Physical & Assoc Director of the Southwest Branch in Houston. Then in San Antonio as Physical Director for the Central Branch, Athletic Club Director & Physical Fitness, and Director of the Executive Club.

During his days at the "Y", he spoke at civic clubs, wrote newspaper articles, sponsored and promoted many fitness & health programs & events. Jim appeared on TV on one of the first early morning exercise programs on WOAI in San Antonio.

Jim was involved in the major fundraising and helped with the development and design of the current San Antonio Central YMCA including the 1st suspended jogging track. Originated 1st mini-marathon in S.A. in 1961. Served on U.S. Volleyball Assoc. and hosted the National Championships @ Ft. Sam in 1963. Originated the Run for Your Life and Swim For Your Life in S.A.

Jim Organized S.A. Physical Fitness Week with then Mayor McAllister. He originated the Tower of America Run In 1968 for YMCA fund drive and United Fund Drive and helped kick off the 1968 Hemisfair.

Jim ended his long association with the "Y" where he designed and developed the Northwest Nautilus Fitness Center as a Partner and General Manager for several years. Jim had always loved to work with children and was on many numerous organizations and committees.

The YMCA Physical Education committee, Amateur Athletic Union Commission and helped developed and organize the 1st Little League Committee, Church Sunday School Leagues, Houston Fencing Club, Buffalofield Archers Assoc, South Main Optimist Club of Houston, and President of the Northeast Petroleum Optimist Club in S.A.

Jim, in cooperation with H.B. Zachary helped design and develop the Metropolitan Fitness Center at the Metropolitan Medical Center where he provided testing, exercise, rehab, fitness testing and evaluation including injuries of all natures, Cardiac & Orthopedic. Jim also served as Health & Wellness Director for the Metropolitan Medical Center.

After the Metropolitan Medical Center was sold to the Methodist Hospital Group, Jim ended his association with the Medical Center.

In 1986, Jim became the Fitness Director at the Sonterra Country Club where he worked for many years until Tom Turner sold the club. He then "retired" and was doing private consultation for many years until medical reasons force him to permanently retire.

Jim was a renaissance man. He was skilled in many sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, fencing, wrestling, track and field, archery, and bodybuilding. He was also a team roper, horseback rider, rancher, artist, singer, outdoorsman, hunter, and a God fearing man who loved God, his family and his country.

He is survived by his Wife Sharon D. Wright, and his children Suzanne Wright, Melinda Young, James O'Shaughnessy Wright, Joshua Ethan Wright and Wife Katrina, James Matthew Wright, Shannon Leigh Wright Sahabi and Husband Marty and their daughter Jenna Leigh, and his many other grandchildren, nieces and nephews.