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Wright honored for lifetime of community service By Vickie Aldous Jan 03, 2023 12:30 AM A A Rogue Valley businessman and volunteer Jim Wright was honored last week with the Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Award, an honor given out once a year to a stand-out community member. [Jamie Lusch / Mail Tribune] Jim Wright gradually lost his eyesight and is now blind, but that hasn’t stopped him from serving the community for more than five decades. Wright was honored last week with the Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Award, an honor given out once a year to a standout community member. “To receive this award is a capstone,” Wright said. Wright said he’s always felt the need to serve the community because he’s so fortunate to have been born in the beautiful Rogue Valley and America, where he’s had opportunities. Born in Ashland in 1940, Wright grew up near Lithia Park and got his first job as a caddy at Oak Knoll Golf Course when he was a kid. At age 12, he was diagnosed with a progressive eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa, which causes a slow breakdown of cells in the retina. The gradual loss of his vision didn’t stop him from having a successful career and becoming president of LTM, a business started from scratch by Wright’s grandfather that grew into a multimillion-dollar construction materials company. LTM later was sold to the national construction materials and contracting business Knife River. When Wright had to stop driving in 1987, he adapted by getting rides with another LTM employee. He’s tapped friends and colleagues to help him get to meetings for community groups. Screen-reading programs for his computer and a phenomenal memory allow him to take in and retain detailed information, according to those who’ve worked beside him in the community. Through the decades, Wright has served a long list of local organizations, including the Asante Foundation that improves local health care, Raider Athletic Association to support student athletics, Medford Rotary Club and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jackson and Josephine counties, which helps abused and neglected kids. During an awards ceremony this week, Jackson County Commissioner Rick Dyer said Wright exemplifies strong, smart leadership and serves as an example to others because of his service to the community. “You are on the Mount Rushmore of Jackson County leaders and advocates,” Dyer told Wright. Jackson County Commissioner Dave Dotterrer said service to the community is a way of life for Wright. Wright has led a life of purpose that inspires others, said Jackson County Commissioner Colleen Roberts. Jackson County Clerk Chris Walker said she’s known Wright and his wife, Judy, since she was a teenager. Walker said she often sees them out at community events with smiles on their faces. “Their contributions to the community have been second to none,” Walker said. The Wrights have three sons, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.