James Emert “Jim” Wright

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James Emert "Jim" Wright, 84, local civic leader and businessman, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2017 in his home on Ono Island.

Fondly known as "Speedy," he attended Murphy High School and Alabama Polytechnical Institute (now Auburn University) where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Following graduation, he served from 1952-1954 in the U.S. Army as a medic stationed in Landstuhl, Germany.

A registered pharmacist, known and loved by all in the community, he and his family owned Wright Drugs for nearly 70 years.

Jim was instrumental to the growth of South Baldwin County, serving as city councilman and mayor pro tem for the city of Foley for nearly 30 years. He served on the Foley Industrial Board, was a past Advisory Board member of Auburn University School of Pharmacy, served on the Alabama Pharmaceutical Association Board of Directors and was a charter member and past president of Gulf Shores Golf Club.

A past president of Foley Rotary Club, he was a Paul Harris Fellow recipient. In 1982, he was the recipient of South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Man of the Year award in 1987. Jim was inducted into the Foley Sports Hall Fame in 1997.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Wilson Wright; and parents, James Albert and Lucy Emert Wright.

He is survived by his children, Mark Andrew Wright (Diana), Leigh Wright Hegglin (Tony), John Duff Wright; five grandchildren, Margaret Ritchie Wright, Wilson O'Neal Wright, Anna Claire Wright, Sadie Foster Wright and Mary Grace Wright; and sister, Linyer Katheryne Wright.

Visitation service will be held at Pine Rest Funeral Home Friday, May 26 from 9 to 11 a.m., with graveside services following.

Memorials can be made to the Martha W. and James E. Wright Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1600, Foley, AL 36536.

Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley, www.pinerestfuneralhome.com.