John J. Duhigg

John J. Duhigg



John J. Duhigg, who helped build both Albuquerque's legal community as a trial lawyer for over 60 years, and the city's population with ten children, 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, died Tuesday morning.

Mr. Duhigg, who particular enjoyed reading novels, walking along ditches with his family and frustrating judges who had, regrettably, less well-rounded understandings of the law, was 89 years old. He was also a ghostwriter, fondly remembered for epistles described by his black labradoodle, Lucy.

Mr. Duhigg was born in 1929 and moved with his then-wife, Marjorie (née Kennedy), and children David and Patrick to Albuquerque in 1956. He soon established his own firm, with partners including his son, David, and, later, daughter, Katy. Mr. Duhigg's firm protected the rights of the poor, injured and dispossessed, and fought for democracy, justice and (when absolutely necessary) truth in courtrooms throughout the state.

Mr. Duhigg also helped raise his children Nancy, Cassius, Jacqueline, Sean and Amy, and upon his marriage to Doris (née Drucker), Charles, Daniel and Katy. Mr. Duhigg and Doris were married for 46 years.

Mr. Duhigg practiced law until just a few weeks before his passing. During his career, he took in children who had been abandoned, helped elderly clients who could not fend for themselves, defended immigrants hoping to build new lives, and helped shield us from politicians and judges whose intellectual abilities were curiously inverse to the gravitas they hoped to project. He was one of the most creative and courageous lawyers of the past century, a constantly optimistic presence, a man of enormous generosity who was always interested in learning something new. He was a wonderful father, husband and friend who would want you to celebrate his life with a glass of scotch (expensive or cheap, he wasn't certain there was a difference), a relaxing walk, and conversation with someone you love.

Mr. Duhigg is survived by his wife Doris, his dog Lilly, and many others who love and will miss him forever.

There will be a wake for Mr. Duhigg at his home on Friday (please call 505-243-3751 for details), and a service at 10:00 am at Bosque School (4000 Bosque School Road NW) on Saturday, April 28.

In lieu of flowers, family would prefer donations to the Jewish Federation of New Mexico and Mosaic Church Albuquerque. Mr. Duhigg would prefer that you vote for literally anyone other than Donald J. Trump.

To a long and good life

filled with love.