James Claude Wright , Jr. ( December 22 , 1922 -- May 6 , 2015 ) , usually known as Jim Wright , was a Democratic U.S. Congressman from Texas who served 34 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and was the Speaker of the House from 1987 to 1989 .
James Claude Wright , Jr. ( December 22 , 1922 -- May 6 , 2015 ) , usually known as Jim Wright , was an American politician from Texas . He served for 34 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and was the Speaker of the House from 1987 to 1989 .