James L. Dudley, Jr.
U. S. Navy
2023
James was born on December 29, 1951, in Stamford Connecticut. Where he was a cadet in the Young Marines program at Naval Reserve and Training Center on Magee Avenue. He graduated from Stamford High School in 1970 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Stamford’s military recruiting station on Atlantic Street. His draft notice arrived on the same day he took his oath of enlistment and began active service on November 19, 1971. Upon graduation from boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois he attended Aviation Fleet Prep school in Millington, Tennessee to earn his Airman designation. He was then ordered to serve in USS Saratoga (CV- 60) which was stationed at Naval Station Mayport Florida.
During his time in the Navy, James visited Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, and Cuba. Upon discharge, he attained a rating of Ship’s Serviceman Petty Officer
Third Class (E-4). After his honorable discharge from the Navy on August 8, 1975, he attended Norwalk Community College and earned an associate degree in mass communications.
James went on to have a professional career as well as an exemplary career in community service in Stamford. He was a member of the Stamford Board of Representatives for 3 terms (6 years) and a member of the Stamford Auxiliary Fire Department. He served as a board member for Catholic Family Services and Stamford American Little League. He is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he currently serves as Junior Vice Commander of Springdale Post 9617.
Jim married Deborah LaMotta in 1977. They have three children, Melissa, Christina, and Sean, one granddaughter, and a grandson on the way. James still lives in Stamford with his wife Deborah, and he continues to serve the city and veteran causes every day.