James W. Wright, of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 at Porter Valparaiso Hospital Campus. He was 72.

He was born Aug. 20, 1936 in Alloa, Scotland the son of William and Jessie (Worden) Wright, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Janice M. (Dilling) Wright of Valparaiso; children, Carol (John) Kalita of Chesterton, William (Kathleen) Wright of Chandler, Ariz., Jeffrey Wright of Valparaiso; grandchildren, Kristin, Josh and Lauren Kalita, Kyle and Collin Wright; and a brother, Arthur (Sandi) Wright of Crown Point.

James was a resident of Valparaiso for 18 years, and was formerly of Merrillville. He worked as an electrical engineer for NIPSCO retiring in 1996. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, National Guard, Duneland Wood Carvers Club, Forest Park Senior Mens Golf League, St. Paul’s Men’s Club and Knights of Columbus #738 of Valparaiso.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16 from Dykes Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, to St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, for an 11 a.m. funeral mass with the Rev. Joseph Pawlowski officiating. Interment will be at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso.

Friends may call Monday, Sept. 15 from 4-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Wake service at Dykes Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities or VNA Hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dykes Funeral Home, Inc. 462-3125.

Posted 9/15/2008