James J. Dutton Jr.

1914 - 2014

Attorney James J. Dutton, Jr., died Thursday, October 30, 2014 in Norwich, CT, a native of Norwich, CT was born on November 24, 1914, son of the late James J. Dutton and Margaret (Norris) Dutton. In 1932, He graduated from Norwich Free Academy. At the University of Notre Dame he received a B.C.S. degree. He obtained a L.L.B. degree from Hartford College of Law and J.D. from the University of Connecticut Law School. He served 14 years on the Internal Revenue Service. He was Assistant Division Chief in the office of Director in charge of Estate and Gift Tax matters and as a special agent, commonly referred to as a "T" Man with the Intelligence unit. During World War II, after graduating the Officers Candidate School of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, he served with the Rank of Lieutenant on the staff of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe. Afterwards, he was a partner with former Justice, Joseph S. Longo in private Law practice. He was a founding partner of Brown, Jacobson, P.C. He was a member of the New London Bar Association, Conn. Bar Association, American Bar Association, Vice Chairman, Section of taxation, Conn. Bar Association, Last presiding Judge of City Court of Norwich for 5 ½ years. A member of U.S. District Court of Conn. And also a member of U.S. Tax Court. On June 26, 1954 he married Nancy Belle Driscoll at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Norwich and they had four sons, James, Thomas, Paul and Philip. Mr. Dutton was appointed to the Commission for Higher Education by both Governor John Dempsey and Governor Thomas Meskill. He served on the Norwich Department of Public Utilities as Secretary and Chairman. He was Secretary and President of the Board of Trustees, Norwich Free Academy. For 27 years he was a director of the Norwich Savings Society and was Senior Director when he retired. He was a Corporator of Backus Hospital and served as President of Norwich Medical Center. He was Founder and Director of Norwich Community Development Corporation and a Director of Martin House. He gave volunteer Legal Advice to Norwich Senior Citizens. He served on the Democratic Town Committee. He belonged to American Legion, Robert Fletcher, Post 4. He served on St. Jude's Housing Corporation. He was Secretary of Norwich Rotary Club and became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997. He was a member of Westbrook Fishing Club. He was a founding member of Pautipaug Country Club and a member of Navy League. He was the Diocesan Attorney for Bishops Flanagan, Reilly and Hines and was cited by National Diocesan Attorneys for 25 years of service. He was a Trustee of St. Patrick's Cathedral, former President of Holy Name Society of St. Patrick's Cathedral. He was a 3rd and 4th degree Knight of Columbus. In 1981, Pope John Paul, II appointed him as a Knight of St. Gregory. He was an original member of the Conn. Catholic Conference and was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He was honorary chairman of Red Mass in 1995. He is survived by his wife of 60 years and by one son, Attorney Philip M. Dutton and his wife Leslie, and granddaughters Sydney, Shannon and Cassandra Dutton all of Los Angeles, California. He was predeceased by three sons, James J. Dutton III, Thomas W. Dutton and Paul G. Dutton and his sister Catherine M. Dutton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Monsignor Anthony Rosaforte at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Friday, November 7, 2014 at 10 A.M. meeting directly at church. Burial will take place in the family plot in St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich. There are no calling hours. Kindly omit flowers. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummings-gagnefh.com.