James Paul "Jim" Wright III

James (Jim) Paul Wright III, 79, of West Palm Beach, Florida lived life every day exactly as he wanted, staying independent and true to himself until his last breath on September 6, 2025.
Born June 14, 1946 in Irvington, New Jersey, Jim was the son of James Paul Wright, Jr. and Belle Westhoven Wright, who predeceased him. His nephew, John F. Van Schaik, Jr. also predeceased him. He is survived by his sister, Carol Wright Van Schaik and his nephew Jeffrey P. Van Schaik, Jeff's wife Faith Ann Beatty Van Schaik, and Jim's great-nephews, Kyle and Joshua Van Schaik.
Jim grew up in New Jersey, became an Eagle Scout, and graduated from Syracuse University in 1971, where he was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
While serving in the Army 9th Infantry Division, Combat, in Vietnam, he was wounded and earned a Purple Heart.
He worked for a major accounting firm for one year in New York City and decided that he preferred independence to the corporate world! He moved to California and renovated and sold homes there, in Houston and Las Vegas.
When his mother's health began declining, he immediately moved back to NJ to provide excellent care for her during her final years.
All through his life, his passion was art and he was a prolific artist. His beautiful paintings will provide the family with a lasting legacy.
He spent the later years of his life in West Palm Beach and his friends and neighbors there provided an excellent support system for him when he needed it most. Our family is so grateful for their love and kindness.
Jim's life can be summed up, as a friend reminded me recently, by the Frank Sinatra song, I DID IT MY WAY!
He lived his life with integrity and dignity and will be missed by his family and friends, but he has left us with wonderful memories.
He will be remembered for his loyalty to friends and his country, his philosophical outlook on life and his witty sense of humor.
A Memorial will be held at a future date in West Palm Beach to provide his friends and family with an opportunity to share their memories.
Any remembrances in Jim's honor may be directed to The American Cancer Society.