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TORTESON, James Richard (14735)

Parents

Birth

  • Born on July 22, 1932 in Clinton, Worcester Co., MA

Death

  • Died on January 06, 2002 in Worcester, Worcester Co., MA
  • Buried in North Cemetery in Oxford, Worcester Co., MA

Marriages

Children

Notes

  • Obituary: OXFORD -- James R. Torteson Sr., 69, of Hope Avenue, an auctioneer and fund-raiser, died Sunday, Jan. 6, in St. Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center after a short illness. He leaves his wife of 44 years, Janice R. (Gilbert) Torteson of Oxford; two sons, Robert J. Torteson of Webster and James R. Torteson Jr. of Oxford; a sister, Lillian Mae Bird of Mauldin, S.C.; three grandchildren; nephews and nieces. He was born in Clinton, son of Robert L. and Mildred L. (Lockhart) Torteson, and lived in Clinton and Auburn before moving to Oxford in 1958. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1950 and received his certification as an auctioneer from Indiana University in 1980. He was certified by the Fort Smith Auction School in 1956 and founded James R. Torteson and Company Auctioneers in Auburn in 1956. He was a member of the Certified Auctioneers' Institute and the National Auctioneers' Association. He was secretary, newsletter editor, past president, and former member of the board of directors for the Massachusetts State Auctioneers Association. In 1979, he received a citation from the state House of Representatives as Oxford's Citizen of the Year. He was president of the New England Council of Auctioneers in 1981. April 11, 1981, was Jim Torteson Day in Oxford. He had 35 years' experience as a consultant to nonprofit organizations. He published "Tort's Tips Newsletters and Tapes," a newsletter for business professionals. He is in the National Auctioneer's Association Foundation Hall of History and he is featured in the 1992 issue of the Official Government Auction Guide. He was a substitute teacher at Bay Path High School in Charlton and Oxford Public Schools for many years. He was superintendent of the Oxford Cemetery Department for several years. He was a member of Oxford United Methodist Church and the Joel H. Prouty Masonic Lodge in Auburn, was an associate member of the Oxford Lodge of Masons, and was member of the Melha Chapter Shriners. He was chairman of the Charter Review Committee in Oxford, an election worker, chairman of the Oxford Democratic Commitee, member of the Auburn Sea Scouts, and a former Cub Scout committee chairman. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, in Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main St. Burial will follow in North Cemetery. Calling hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, in Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St. Joel H. Prouty Lodge of Masons will conduct a Masonic service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540.
  • Occupation: Auctioneer

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