James L. Dutton

James L. Dutton, 91, of South Otselic, NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at his home.

Born in South Otselic, NY, in the home in which he passed, he was the son of the late Audley and Adelaide Sisson Dutton. Jim was a 1947 graduate of Otselic Valley Central School. He taught school there for 28 years (1958-1986), coached a number of OV athletic teams and directed the South Otselic summer recreation program for 22 years (1959-1981). He served as an officer of the teacher’s association and was actively involved with the fire department and the Valley View Cemetery Association for many years. The Otselic Valley baseball field was named in his honor in 2005 and he was named to the OV Wall of Fame in 2010. Many people will fondly remember Jim announcing the OV basketball games from 1971 to 2011. He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in South Otselic, serving as a deacon and singing in the choir and was the oldest living member. He loved the Lord and his family, and serving his students and community. We are all better people for having known him and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kathleen Roussel Dutton; and his five children, Dixie Lee (John) Kahle of Greensboro, NC, Deborah Ann Young of Stokesdale, NC, Daniel (Patty) Dutton of South Otselic, Douglas Dutton of Greensboro, NC, and James L. Dutton II of Greensboro, NC. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Claire Griffen of Hyannis, MA; and a niece and four nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Norine Hartung and Ruth Dutton.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the ball field named in his honor. Please bring a lawn chair to sit in. A private graveside service will be held at a later date, with his pastor, Reverend Jim Moore officiating. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jim may be directed to the First Baptist Church of South Otselic, 130 County Road 13, South Otselic, NY 13155 or the Valley View Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 57, South Otselic, NY 13155.