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John Wright Obituary
Colonel John C. Wright, a distinguished Marine whose 40-year career exemplified leadership and service, passed away on September 12, 2025, at age 71 in Portland, Oregon. His wife, daughter, and son were by his side.
Born in 1954, John's life was defined by his unwavering dedication to the United States Marine Corps, his family, and the nation. Inspired by his grandfather's Marine legacy and the Corps' reputation for camaraderie, John enlisted in 1972 during the Vietnam War, choosing the Marines over an Army draft. From security forces guard aboard the USS Independence, he rose from corporal to Colonel. Mentored by Maj. Gen. George M. Karamarkovich, John excelled as Chief of Staff for Marine Corps Installations Pacific, overseeing regional operations. At his 2012 retirement in Okinawa, Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri awarded him the Legion of Merit, praising him as "a tremendous force for the Marine Corps." John urged Marines to "create opportunities, improve themselves, and serve the institution."
Most importantly was how John loved and cared for his family and friends, and how they loved and cared for him in return. He was admired and respected by all who knew him, and he made people feel listened to and supported. John cherished his close relationships with both grandchildren, and they gave his life new meaning and tremendous joy.
John was a deep and thoughtful man with an incredible sense of humor, a steadfast integrity, a genuine humility, great taste in film and music, a weakness for chocolate, and was absolutely meticulous in everything he did. John changed and touched everyone he met and he will never be forgotten; we will miss him greatly.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Karen; daughter Jennifer; son John Jr, daughter in law Kristina; son in law John, grandson John III; granddaughter Charlotte; and his faithful companion Pepper.
John will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. To receive notice of the service once more details are available, contact Karen Wright. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the USO in John's honor: https://www.uso.org/donate/donate-in-honor/.
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