James L. Clifford

James L. Clifford, 83, formerly of 480 Main Street, Shrewsbury, died August 2, 2008 at the University Commons Nursing Care Center. He had been a resident of Shrewsbury since 1952.

James was born May 7, 1925 in Worcester, the only child of James L. Clifford and Mary (Connolly) Clifford. He was predeceased by his father and mother in 1931 and 1934, respectively. Thereafter, he was raised in Worcester by his maternal aunt and uncle, Agnes M. Connolly and George V. Connolly. His grandfather and namesake, James Clifford, emigrated from Ireland in 1867 and became a United States citizen in Worcester in 1876.

James was educated in the Worcester public schools and graduated from Classical High School. Having resided on Howland Terrace for many years, he was nicknamed the "Mayor" of Newton Square in his youth. He graduated from Holy Cross College, B.S., in 1947 and Boston University School of Law, LL.B., in 1949. While in law school, James was a member of the Phi Delta Phi law fraternity. He was faithful to Holy Cross College with more than fifty years of service and he was appointed a member of the Order of the Purple Knights. James was also a member of the Worcester Diners Club and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1985. At the induction, it was reported by the Master of Ceremonies, Herbie Dyson, that James' license plate number, 382-000, required memorization in order to pass the State Police exam.

James was an active attorney and trial lawyer in Worcester for forty-eight years. For many years, he was associated with Clifford, O'Connor, Hanlon & McCarthy, later to be joined by Attorney Adamiak. He was a past member of the Worcester County Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys. He was also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. James' law practice included appearances in every state court in the Commonwealth from the District Courts to the Supreme Judicial Court. For many years, he was appointed to murder assignments in the Worcester Courts through the Committee for Public Counsel Services.

His sense of humor and levity with his peers and in the courtroom were legendary. Once, before Judge Meagher, he requested a continuance to attend a graduation ceremony in September of that year. When confronted by Judge Meagher about the timing of the graduation, James responded that it was for his dog, who was graduating from obedience school. His request for a continuance was granted and the episode was reported in The American Bar Association Journal.

James was also seen late one day in Judge Luby's courtroom. When questioned by Assistant Clerk O'Connor as to his presence, he responded that he had heard a rumor that Judge Luby was going to smile. James' fondness for dogs was also well known. He was once appointed by Judge Conlin to serve as Guardian Ad Litem for Angus McTavish, a Scottish Terrier who was the beneficiary of his owner's estate. Thereafter, when the attorney for the sole residuary beneficiary called Attorney Clifford, he answered the telephone simply saying "woof". When the will was later contested and the parties deadlocked, James strongly suggested that the matter be resolved as Angus might be entitled to money to pay for a girlfriend.

James was also an accomplished pianist and vocalist who enjoyed singing ballads of many varieties, especially of Irish origin. He lived his life through his work and profession and truly enjoyed helping other people. He was a generous senior partner and colleague.

He leaves two sons, James L. Clifford of Worcester and Peter B. Clifford and his wife, Susan M. Meyer of Oakham, and three grandchildren, Samuel M. Clifford, Benjamin M. Clifford and Anna M.B. Clifford, all of Oakham. Generous to a fault in life, James dedicated his body for future physicians and sick people to the Anatomical Gift Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School for studies to be performed. There are no calling hours. A celebration of his life and faith will be held with a Christian Mass of Resurrection at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Abbey Church, Spencer Trappist Monastery, 167 North Spencer Road, Spencer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of James L. Clifford to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.