Justus "Jud" David Wright

Artist, Renaissance Man and all-around good dude, Justus (Jud) David Wright, 62, crossed over to the other side January 14, 2023. Jud was born January 21, 1960 in Denver, CO. He grew up in the Colorado mountains he loved and moved to Las Cruces at 16. His artistic soul fell in love with the New Mexico desert and sunsets. Jud combined his art with his career, opening the family business, Del Valle ing & Graphics, in 1983. Forty-years later, the 3rd generation of the Perez-Wright family continues his vision. Jud was a master at manifesting positivity in everyone who knew him. His sense of humor was renowned. His kids would say he was half English, a quarter Irish and a quarter Comedian. First and foremost, Jud was an artist, perceiving the world and interpreting it through creative eyes. He was often invited to speak to high school and middle school art students, a task he thoroughly enjoyed because he wanted young people to understand you can make a living and still pursue your passion. This was the life lesson he passed on to his children - life is too short to not do what you love.

Jud is survived by his cherished family, who are doing their best to survive without his unconditional love: his wife, Anna, children, Zachary and Francesca, her fianc, Colby, daughter-in-law, Whitney (Sam), his parents, Walt Wright and Dick and Carol Rankin, sisters Jill, Linda (Mark), Nancy, Angie (Jim), Sherrie and Keri (Steve), and brother Mike (Laura). Jud also leaves behind his Perez family: Rosa, Frank (Monica), Art (Lorie) Ester (Armando), Corina (David), many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he loved very much, and his Eagles and Outlaws Baseball boys, to whom he happily devoted a good chunk of his life, coaching for 14 years.

Jud is predeceased by his beloved son, Sam, his mom, Judy Seidel, stepmom, Connie Wright, his grandparents, and his father-in-law, Rayo Perez.

A Celebration of Jud's Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. On Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, at La Cueva Group Site at Dripping Springs Natural Area. Guest parking fees have been paid, but parking is limited, and carpooling is encouraged.

in lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico in memory of Jud.