Jesse Graham Wright, III

Jesse Graham Wright III, known affectionately as Graham, born on August 4, 1969, in South Bend, Indiana passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love for family, faith, and the outdoors.

Graham attended St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where developed the strong character that would define his life. He started university at Hillsdale College and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Montana in Missoula, pursuing a path that perfectly matched his deep appreciation for nature.

Following graduation, Graham worked for the National Forestry Service and various forestry companies, throughout California, Idaho, and Montana. His career allowed him to steward the forests and landscapes he loved so dearly, and he took great pride in preserving the natural beauty of the American West. He also worked for several environment consulting and landscaping companies in Ohio.

On October 8, 2011, Graham married the love of his life, Susan Wright. Together they built a life in Ohio centered on family, adventure, and shared memories.

Graham found joy in the outdoors—whether hiking in the woods of Ohio, Michigan, or out West. Northern Michigan held a special place in his heart. He cherished summers spent water skiing, trout fishing, playing golf, and tennis with family, as well as winters skiing alongside family and friends. He also loved working on his father-in-law Jack’s farm in Wilmington, Ohio, where he embraced the simple satisfaction of hard work and time spent outdoors.

He was a member of Ascension Catholic Church in Kettering OH and the Knights of Columbus.

Graham is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Wright of Kettering, Ohio; his sister-in-law Stephanie Massing, his niece Breanna Detty and nephews Chris Kreitzer and Kyle Massing, his brother and Sister in law Steve and Mary Schmid, his nephews Nicholas and Nathan, all of Ohio; his brother, Foster Wright; his sister-in-law, Debbie Wright; his beloved niece and nephew, Jake and Kaleigh Wright of New Jersey; and his parents, Joan and Jesse Wright of Michigan and Florida.

Graham will be remembered for his steady spirit, his kindness towards all, his love of nature, and his unwavering devotion to family. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the forests he walked and the lives he touched.

Graham’s family invites friends to gather at Routsong Funeral Home in Kettering (2100 E. Stroop Rd.) on Tuesday, March 3, from 5:30-7:30pm, to share memories and offer condolences. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Church of the Ascension in Kettering on Wednesday, March 4, at 11:00am. All are invited to share in a luncheon at the church following mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, or contribute to reforestation efforts by planting a memorial tree via the link in this obituary.