James Miller Wright

May 16, 1918 - May 10, 1946

Veteran James Miller Wright, aged 27, of 920 North St. Peter street, whom The Tribune reported a year ago as having "used a few old trick to kill three Japs and lived to tell the story", died suddenly in his automobile about 4 p.m. Friday of a probable heart attack. He was waiting for his wife in the 300 block of South Michigan street after visiting a doctor.

As an army private Mr. Wright went into action against the Japs in the Pacific area in January, 1945. After being trapped behind enemy lines in the Philippines for eight hours he played dead when three enemy soldiers approached. The Japs believed he was dead, the army reported, but Private Wright leaped to his feet and with gun blazing felled all three Japs. Then he returned safely to American positions. He was discharged from the army on April 12.

The ex-soldier is survived by his widow, Vada, whom he married in South Bend in August, 1941; a son, Robert; Mrs. Oralle Wright, his mother, and a brother John, all of South Bend.

Friends may call at the residence tonight and Sunday and the funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Monday in the home with Rev. Thomas Payne, C. S. C., of St. Theresa's chapel, officiating. Burial will be in Highland cemetery.

Sources: Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.com

02/01/2026 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/103771378/james_miller-wright