Hon. James H. Dowden. J.S.C., 88, died on Thursday, March 10. Born in Jersey City, Judge Dowden lived most of his life in Jersey City while summering in Allenhurst and moving there after retirement.
He served in the United States Army from April 1946 to May 1947 assigned to the U.S. Military Government, Law Department, Seoul Korea. He attended St. Peter’s College, Fordham University and received his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 1952. He was admitted as an Attorney at Law in New Jersey in 1953 and admitted as a Counselor at Law in 1956.
Judge Dowden maintained a private law practice in Jersey City from 1953 to 1972. He was appointed an Assistant Hudson County Counsel in 1957, Assistant Corporation Counsel of Jersey City in 1965, and was appointed to the Hudson County Bar Association Ethics Committee in 1966 by Chief Justice Weintraub. He later served as a member of the New Jersey Civil Service Commission from 1967 through 1972. A member of the Hudson County Bar Association, he was elected a Trustee in 1969 and Secretary in 1971.
In 1972, he was appointed a Hudson County Judge and in 1977 was appointed a Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court.
He was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling, fine restaurants and spending time with his family.
He was the beloved husband of Lucy (nee Maher); the devoted father of James C. Dowden and his wife Mary, David M. Dowden and his wife Susan; beloved grandfather of Rebecca, Amy, Michael, Megan and Tara; and loving uncle to Kathleen Sommers and Dennis Dowden.
Memorial donations may be made to the NY Province of the Society of Jesus, 39 East 83 St, New York, NY 10028 or online at www.JesuitsEast.org.
