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James Skelly Wright was born in 1911 to James Edward Wright and Margaret Skelly. James Wright was a housing inspector for plumbing and electrical equipment. Margaret was known as a devout Catholic and was active in politics as a ward leader. Skelly was the second of seven children (Eddie, J. Skelly, Richard, James Edward, Jr. "Jimmy", Rosemary, Marty, and Kate) with Skelly, Richard, and Jimmy all obtaining law degrees. |
 Times-Picayune, May 4, 1927 |
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Skelly Wright participated in many activities as an undergraduate student at Loyola. This includes serving on the Maroon (Loyola newspaper) staff for three years, the Wolf (Loyola yearbook) staff for two years, and a member of the Spanish, Glee, and Debating Clubs for multiple years. |
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Skelly Wright was very active in student activities throughout his time at Loyola. One example of his popularity on campus is his inclusion on the front page of the Loyola Student Newspaper's April Fool's Edition, "The Moron", as "Scarface" Skelly Wright. |
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After completing his fourth year and his bachelor of philosophy degree he became a teacher at Fortier High School (located five blocks from the Loyola campus). He continued taking law school classes in the evening completing his law degree in 1934.The Fortier High building later housed the Lusher School and currently houses The Willow School. |
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 Photo from Loyola Law Library Archives |
Judge Wright, even late into his career, would return to Loyola on occasion for events such as commencement. Here, seen with the Honorable John Minor Wisdom and Loyola President James C. Carter at the May 10, 1981 commencement ceremony. |