James E. Wright ’69

Jim Wright died Feb. 8, 2014, after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

From the small town of Loudonville, Ohio, to corporate boardrooms, Jim’s upward life arc reflected his energy, his enthusiasm, and his many talents. He was a tough competitor, but even more, he was a generous, kind, and thoughtful husband, father, and friend.

A natural businessman, as an undergraduate Jim headed the express-reunion agency and was a wise and entrepreneurial marketer for various projects on campus, especially for his much-loved Cannon Club.

After earning a law degree and an MBA at Cornell, he served in the Army and then began a 30-year career in commercial real-estate finance. Jim spent most of his career at Citibank, eventually settling in Toronto as the head of Citibank Corporate Real Estate Canada for 15 years. Subsequently, he joined the boards of Bentall Kennedy and MCAP.

Jim derived pleasure from traveling, gardening, country music, practical jokes, and Princeton reunions. He never missed a good evening of conversation and companionship with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Mary-Lou; his children, Marianna, Jay, and Carrie; and grandchildren Holly and Avery. We mourn his passing and are grateful for his good life.