NEWPORT NEWS - John Lawrence Wright, 75, best known as 'Jack' to his family and friends, passed peacefully on May 1, 2006, at Riverside Hospital. Jack was born in Newport News and attended Newport News High School where he served as Senior Class President. While there, he wrote a newspaper column called ' Clam Chatter', a humorous look at student life. Through the kindness of Stanley Gardner, it won Jack a full scholarship to Northwestern Medill School of Journalism. After graduating from Northwestern in 1952, he opened Wright Advertising Agency, specializing in such media as brochures, radio, and television. Jack's greatest business thrill was promoting musical events for the Hampton Coliseum - ranging from Elvis Presley to the Hampton Jazz Festival. After 25 years, he sold Wright Advertising to his art director and worked at the Daily Press in public relations where he retired. The love of his life was his wife, Ann 'Boots' Wright. She became the mother of their three sons, Mark Stuart Wright, John Pearson Wright, and Bret Bartlet Wright. He was grandfather to Graham Sherwood Wright, Clark Howell Wright, and John Pearson Wright. He is also survived by his niece, Wanda and his nephew, Bruce. In celebration of Jack Wright's life, a service for family and friends will be held at their home at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2006. In Jack's memory, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd., Suite A-102, Newport News, VA 23606. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.

Published in the Daily Press on 5/3/2006.