Free counters provided by Andale.
Jay M. Wright, 1950-2005
Jay Michael Wright, P.E., 54, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2005. Wright was an award-winning NASA Engineer and SCCA Champion race car driver.
Wright served in the U.S. Army from 1968 - 72. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Army Commendation Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Citation.
Wright was educated at John C. Calhoun Community College and the University of Alabama Birmingham where he earned his B.S. in Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics. He also earned a graduate degree in Biochemistry. He was awarded membership in the Phi Theta Kappa National Jr. College Scholastic Society and the Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society. Jay was a Professional Engineer -- Metallurgy.
Jay Wright had worked as a Quality Assurance Engineer for Alabama Power Company. He joined Boeing Aerospace Operations in Houston as a consulting engineer to NASA. Wright began working for NASA - Johnson Space Center in 1987 as a Materials Research Engineer and Aerospace Engineer. During his NASA career, Mr. Wright received several Superior Accomplishments Awards and Technical Brief Awards. His many publications included "The Wright Method for Determination of Lot Homogeneity of Fastener Samples." In 1991 he received a Patent Award for U.S. Patent, "Quick Application/Release Nut with Engagement Indicator." Recently, Wright had designed, built, and tested a prototype for a propulsion system he named "The Bargmann Drive."
Wright's success extended to his passion for motorsports. Jay joined the Sports Car Club of America in 1977 where he competed in SCCA Regional, National and Runoffs races until 1995. Jay won several Regional and Divisional Championship titles. In 1993, Wright was involved in a racing incident which left him paralyzed below the chest. In spite of his disability, Jay returned to racing. He designed and raced a hand-control-equipped race car which he raced in SCCA Pro Racing's Neon Challenge. Wright later served as an SCCA National Steward.
Wright was also passionate about racing safety. He provided input to the SCCA Competition Board which resulted in changes that have increased safety for drivers. Wright also developed a head and neck restraint system, "The Wright Device," which was successfully tested at Wayne State.
Wright is survived by his wife, Caroline Bargmann Wright, and his dedicated service dog, Henri. Visitation will be Friday, July 15 from 4-6 P.M. at Jeter Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Pearland, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Texas Hearing and Service Dogs, 4803 Rutherglen, Austin, TX 78749. THSD plans to name a future service dog in Jay’'s memory.