On January 25, 2025, John Nix Wright passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by many who loved him. He succumbed to an advanced cancer which he fought with remarkable faith and courage.
John was the eldest child born April 20, 1947, to John W. (Jack) and Jeanne Nix Wright in Mesa, Arizona. He had many life-long friends from his years at Emerson Elementary, West Junior High (now Carson Junior High) and Westwood High School. In his early teens, he worked on Saturdays at Wright’s Market with his father at Jack’s West End and learned the value of work. He was proud to be in the first graduating class of Westwood High School where he served on the student council and played sports, excelling in baseball and was chosen as the All-State first baseman in his senior year. He then attended Mesa Community College and played baseball prior to his two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Andes Mission from 1966-1968, which then included the South American countries of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela and Colombia.
A few months after returning home, he met Jane Randall at an Arizona State University LDS Institute dance. Six months later they were married and sealed for eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They both finished their education at ASU and John then received a master’s degree at Thunderbird Graduate School in International Management. A few years later, he decided to go to law school, obtaining his Juris Doctor of Law from ASU. He practiced law as a partner at Riggs, Wright & Smith for eight years, and then he and his childhood friend Larry John began the Larry John Wright Advertising Agency. There he used his many creative talents, compelling personality and business skills to develop a successful agency. Valued and important client relationships were also formed during these years, and he was rewarded with many TV station trips that allowed him and Jane to travel throughout the world, which increased their love for people and cultures. But Lake Powell was his happy place as he drove his boat and fished with family and friends.
John had many natural gifts but credited his love for music from his parents. He became an accomplished musician. During his school years he played in several bands. In grade school he was in the Mesa Imps and then he played keyboard, saxophone and sang in many rock ‘n roll bands with cousins and friends beginning in the 1960’s for more than 30 years. His children have lasting memories singing next to the piano while he played.
John was active in civic and community affairs, including serving on the boards of the United Way, Mesa Historical Society, the Grand Canyon Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and as president of The Mesa Foundation. His profound faith remained the center of his life as he served as a Young Men’s leader, Elder’s Quorum President, Bishop, and counselor in two Maricopa North Stake Presidencies. He and his wife loved serving for 18 months in the California Anaheim Mission, returning home in November 2023. One of his most recent and beloved callings was to be an ordinance worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple with his wife.
John was a devoted friend to all, and his generosity was legendary. His warmth, quick wit and humor will never be forgotten. He was happiest planning meals and cooking for large groups for his family, church and community.
John is survived by his wife Jane, and their nine children: Jenee Prince (Ivan), J.R. (Molly), Julianna Larsen (Lars), Jackson (Gina), Jamie Williams (Dallin), Jacob (Bridget), Jason (Jill), Guffy (Brittany), and Jill Morrow (Chris). John is survived by two brothers, Jim Lorenzo (Tina), Jack Garnet (Janeen), as well as three sisters, Jeanine Smith Turley (Kent), Joy Arnett (Chet) and Julie Blair (Jay). John and Jane have 43 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest treasure.
Interment will be Saturday, February 1, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center, Mesa, 85201. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 1, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mesa Maricopa North Stake Center 1718 N. Date, Mesa AZ 85201. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arizona Refugee Center, 35 N. Alma School Road, Mesa, AZ 85201, Tax EIN #93-2224570.
If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the following link to livestream the service: https://zoom.us/j/94777232572
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I met John in the 1980s when our media company was unsuccessfully trying to sell advertising to one of his clients. We met at his office. I found him to be a tough but fair media executive. In that meeting we argued until we discovered that we shared college backgrounds and our Latter-day Saint faith. John became a cherished friend. I last saw him, smiling as ever, in the Mesa Temple. This is a wonderful man.
Our deepest condolences with uplifting Prayers of comfort and peace sent to all. Families can be together Forever..
I am indebted to John for raising such a worthy daughter for my son Dallin and the musical talent that he passed on to her. Thank you, John, for your time here on earth!
Our prayers are with all the family and friends. What a great example!
Randy and Darlene Ford
Memories of John can’t help but make me smile. Our work together in the agency was one of my life’s highlights, and allowed me to get to know Jane and the rest of the family. We went through a number of life challenges together. His kindness and sense of humor always carried the day. Sending you my love and prayers that your grief will become sweet memories.
Johnny would light up any room he entered and would brighten the lives of everyone there. He is loved and respected for many reasons, because of his example the world is a better place.
Sure love this entire family and all the wonderful memories shared through the years as cousins!!!
All made possible by uncle Johnny and Aunt Jane who are among the best people I know on the earth. Always giving, loving, encouraging others to be their best. I cherish all the times spent with this incredible family and know they will be together forever by the way they have conducted their lives and followed the savior Jesus Christ. That is the ultimate gift from a loving heavenly father.
I love you all and pray for the comforter to be with you this day and in the difficult days ahead. Sorry I couldn’t be there today in person to celebrate Johnny with you all. I love you guys!!
Dave Moody
Dear Jane and extended Wright Family, It was our pleasure to serve with you in the Westwood Ward. I was preiveledged to serve as one of Bishop Wright’s Elders Quorum Presidents with David K. Udall in those early days in the Maricopa Stake. We too are so blessed to share and be part of your family with Jenee and Ivan. That first WW Ward Christmas Sacrament Service when Jenee walked past our family sitting in the pews to sing in Sacrament Meeting as a BYU Coed, the Spirit whispered loudly to me, “She will be in your family”. John, please give Sharlene a hug when you see her on the other side of life. Love to you all! Sincerely Paul Tucker.