John Wright

John A. Wright was a loving, kind, compassionate man who gave of himself to family and friends.

John was born on September 22, 1955, the fifth child of Donald and Arlene (Cadwell) Wright. Donald was a builder by trade and Arlene worked full time at home to care for their eight children: Donald, Terri, Alan, David, John, Mike, Donna and Patti. Though the family moved from time to time, John had memories of his younger years growing up on a farm. Every day he had responsibilities to do chores before and after school. And every summer he worked an extra job to earn spending money. From early in his life, John demonstrated a sense of duty and hard work.

John attended Stocking Elementary for a few years. The family moved around several times. He attended Cedar Springs High School where he graduated in 1973. Following high school, John joined the US Navy and trained at Great Lakes Naval Station. He was sent to Viet Nam for the last two years of the war. It was a harrowing time, which resulted in John suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome. He struggled for years to come, yet he was determined to make a life for himself.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, John earned a degree in printing from Michigan Technological Institute. He worked for several companies, most recently Hagert Industries. Then in the late 1990's, John suffered a neck injury which caused him to become disabled. He endured chronic neck and back pain from which he never had complete relief. John also suffered thyroid problems, underwent prostate surgery, was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and received regular treatment at a pain clinic. If it's true that suffering instills patience, and patience causes endurance, and endurance builds character, then John was a man of noble character.

Unexpected joy came into John's life one day in 2002. While at a store, John ran into a woman who had been in his class at Stocking Elementary. He struck up a conversation with Geraldine and learned that she had lost her husband just four years earlier and had three wonderful children. Before the conversation ended, the two of them exchanged phone numbers and soon began dating. It wasn't long before John asked Geraldine to marry him, and they made their vows before a justice of the peace in June of 2002. They eventually settled into a home on Pine Street NW in Grand Rapids, Michigan. John experienced family life in a new way, developing a close relationship with his stepchildren.

Among his other joys in life, John liked to garden and listen to country music, especially Alan Jackson. John sang in a band for years and often performed at the VFW Post 830 on 11th Street NW in Grand Rapids, where he was known as "JW". He enjoyed the company of his pet terrier, Angie.

John was dear to many people, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. John collapsed at home three weeks ago and was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a respiratory condition). This past Monday, John was not feeling well and went to bed. On Tuesday, he collapsed once again and died early that morning on August 1st, 2006. John now lies in his mother's arms.

"We love and miss you. You are in my heart always. Until we're together again, hold my spot for me John, Gerri".

John Arthur Wright, aged 50 of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday morning, August 1, 2006. He is survived by his wife Geraldine Wright; his step children, Chris (Amber) Scanlon, Philip Erwin, Emily Erwin; step grandchildren, Thomas and Gavin Scanlon; his mother-in-law, Helen Feikema; his brothers and sisters, Don (Rachael) Wright, Terry (Debbie) Wright, Alan Brisco, David (Mary) Brisco, Mike (Joyce) Wright, Donna Davis (Joe Maxim), Patti Curunit; many nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don Wright in 1996 and Arlene Wright in 2005. A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends and relatives may meet his family at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the service begins.Please visit John's web page to leave your own memories of him at www.lifestorynet.com