Name: Gilbert P. Wright Jr.
Age: 70
Family: Nancy Hickox Wright (wife), Duval County high school teacher; two grown children (lawyer and software systems developer); one grandchild.
Pets: Goose named Bernard.
Education: Phillips Andover Academy, Brown University, University of Virginia School of Law.
Admitted to the Bar: Massachusetts, 1965; Florida, 2006.
Employed by: Law Offices of Gilbert P. Wright Jr. P.A.
Field of practice: Business and insurance counseling and litigation
Professional Organizations: The Florida Bar, Jacksonville and Massachusetts Bar Associations, Meninak Club of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce (Downtown and Southside Councils).
Community Involvement:
Duval County Teen Court, Volunteer Magistrate, Downtown Ecumenical Services Council, board member Cathedral Gerontology Center, board member Safe Harbor Boys Home, mentor/volunteer Pro Bono for Jax Kids Project (JBA) and Pro Bono Foreclosure Defense Group (JALA)
How did you get involved?
I was inspired by living in Downtown Jacksonville after Nancy and I arrived in 2002 and by Nancy’s inner city school teaching. I then joined St. John’s Cathedral and followed my interest in assisting in some small way inner city youth, homeless and poor.
How can someone else get involved?
Follow your interests and inquire. Your church or synagogue will have many outreach programs. Also, join a fraternal service club such as Rotary or Meninak whose mission is to give “help where none (or too little) is available.” Our Jacksonville Bar Association also has excellent outreach programs.
What have you learned or achieved through the experience?
I have learned to be humble in the presence of the many dedicated nonprofit directors and staff leaders who devote their professional lives to making Jacksonville a better community and, in view of the many truly disadvantaged who do, against great odds, pick themselves up and become engaged in our community.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I was reading Clarence Darrow’s autobiography, “The Story of My Life,” until I saw a picture of George H.W. Bush parachuting, at age 85. I am now reading “Flyboys,” the story of seven brave WW II carrier “Flyboys,” including the former president, who were shot down over Chichi Jima in the 1944 prequel to the climatic battle of the adjacent Iwo Jima. Clarence can wait.