Obituary of J. Wright Cortner MD

Dr. John Wright Cortner (Wright to friends and family) was born in Cleveland, OH. On April 24, 1923 to Dr. Adam and Flora Cortner. He was a 1943 graduate of Stanford University (CA) where he was on the track team. In 1947, he graduated from Case Western Reserve Medical School in Cleveland, OH. From 1948 to 1954 Wright completed General Practice, Surgical, and Orthopedic Residencies in Santa Cruz, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Madison, WI. He also served on a hospital ship during the Korean War. Seeking to escape the icy winters, he moved his family to Tucson where he was in private orthopedic practice until his retirement in 2001. At the time of his reluctant retirement—he loved doing surgery—he was on active staff at Tucson Medical Center, El Dorado Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. He had given up his practice but never refused a request for medical advice from his family and close friends. He was a member of numerous county, state, and regional medical organizations. A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a board member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. During his years in Tucson, Wright indulged in his favorite hobby, scuba diving and spear fishing in Mexico. He joined a doctors' jazz band where he played drums and sang. In his later years he took up the piano. Wright was an avid golfer, long-time member of Tucson Country Club, world traveler, and U of A Basketball fan. He also provided medical care flying into Mexico with a volunteer organization. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 13, 2018. Dr. Cortner was preceded in death by his parents Flora and Adam, his sister Marian Cortner, and his daughter Laura Cortner. He is survived by his third wife Virginia Storch Cortner, his daughters Sandra Cortner (Greg Payne) and Kathleen Cortner, and his grandson John Cortner. His step daughter Debora Waggoner and step granddaughter Mellisa Hines (Fred) and her son Isaiah Hines. Virginia's daughter Holly Norris (Wes) and son Charles Storch. Virginia's granddaughter Leah Storch and grandsons Eric Norris (Beth) Brock Norris, and great-grandson Pearson Norris. Services will be held at St. Albans Episcopal Church, Tuesday, 20 March at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Ronald McDonald House of Tucson or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Adair Funeral Home.