James L. WRIGHT

James L. Wright, 75, of Marquette, died early Saturday morning, March 31, 2012 at Marquette General Hospital with his loving family at his side. Jim was born on August 3, 1936 in Marquette, a son of the late Jesse Lee and Albertha R. (Gauthier) Wright. He was a 1955 graduate of Bishop Baraga High School and attended Northern Michigan University. Jim proudly served his country with the U.S. Army in Germany. He owned and operated Wright Sheet Metal for 12 years, retiring in 1994. In his free time, Jim enjoyed sky diving, pleasure boating, fishing, wood working, cooking and Red Wing Hockey. More than anything else, Jim loved his grandchildren as well as getting together for family dinners. Jim was a member of St. Peter Cathedral, the local sheet metal workers union and Marquette Elks Lodge #405. Survivors include his wife, Marquita "Quita" Wright whom he married on July 2, 1987 in Marquette; four children, Claire Marie (Jim) Bissonnette, Renee Danielle Dushane, Margaret Florence (Al) Wendrick, all of Marquette and Shannon Mark (Ginger Elliott) Dushane of Gaylord; six grandchildren, Jessica Dushane, Devon Dushane, Miranda Wendrick, Nicole Dushane, Abbie Elliott, and Leesa Dushane; four siblings, Judy (Eugene) Noyes of Edgewater, FL, Jesse (Azucena) Wright, Carol (Robert) Getz, and Tom (Barbara) Wright, all of Marquette; sister-in-law, Andee Wright of Mountain Home, AR; also several nieces, nephews and Jim's beloved cat, Maxi. Preceding him in death besides his parents was a brother, Jack Wright. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. with an Elks Lodge ritual scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev. Ryan Ford officiating. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery. Jim's family will serve as his escorts. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS), 84 Snowfield Road, Negaunee, MI 49866. Memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com