02/06/2026
Our flag is flying at half-mast today in memory of James Wright CBE DL (Fellow 1978–91, Honorary Fellow 1992) who sadly died on Saturday after a very brief illness. Our tribute to James has been published at caths.cam.ac.uk/james-wright, which includes this message from our Master Sir John Benger (1979, English):
“James was actively involved in life at St Catharine’s and steadfast in his support of our community for almost 50 years. The sudden loss of his good nature and encouragement will be felt by many here and beyond our gates. I recall fondly my first encounter with James – well over 40 years ago – when he taught me Latin for the foreign language paper that undergraduates used to do as part of the English Tripos, which he did with patience and good humour. On behalf of everyone at St Catharine’s, I want to extend my sincere condolences to his wife Jenny as well as his family, friends and colleagues.”
As recently as April James was delighted to reconnect with some of his former students at our 1984–87 Members’ Reunion and had been looking forward to attending the Cambridge Greek Play with them later this year. This photo of James enjoying the reunion was kindly shared with us by Robert Mason (1987, Classics).
