Jules Winslow Wright

1933 - 2022

Alaska Native leader, entrepreneur and politician Jules Winslow Wright passed away peacefully in his home in Wasilla on Jan. 11, 2022, at age 88. Jules, the sixth of seven sons, was born at St. Mark's Mission in Nenana to Arthur and Myrtle (Rose) Wright. He spent his childhood in Nenana where his Athabascan father served as the deacon of the Episcopal mission. His family practiced a subsistence lifestyle, fishing for salmon, whitefish and sheefish, hunting moose, and tending a large garden. He attended high school in Fairbanks, where he met his first wife Marge (Lemm) Kushida, whom he married in 1952 and had three children with. In 1953, Jules was drafted into the Army and served in Alaska as an equipment operator and musher. He worked in construction, owned several companies, mined for gold, and built and operated Manly Hot Springs Resort.
He was always proud of his Native heritage and wanted to bring opportunities to Native people of Alaska. He recognized the unique needs of Alaska tribes and worked for special rights to employment and business opportunities in villages. His enthusiasm for Native politics led him to serve as president of the Fairbanks Native Association (FNA) for three years and on the board of directors for Doyon Ltd. and Seth-De-Ya-Ah (Minto) Corporation. In 1967 he was elected to the state House of Representatives and served one term.
The friends he had across all spectrums was incredible and he will be missed by many. He enjoyed a lively discussion whether it was about family, cooking, smoking fish, politics, individual rights or religion. Jules was well known for his active mind and lively debate.
Jules chased his dreams and good fortune no matter where it led. From family gold mining operations, Alaska tourism businesses or his Wright's Salmon Seasoning, he embodied the Alaska entrepreneurial spirit. He will be remembered for his soft-spoken manner and bright eyes, flannel and suspenders attire, and unparalleled salmon recipes. In his later years, he compiled a detailed family history which he published for his family and encouraged them to honor their history. He is survived by his elder brother, Al Wright; his sons, Robert and Allen Wright; daughter, Julie (Wright) Anderson; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
The family will hold a memorial service in Fairbanks in the spring.