McClusky Family and Friends
The William J. McClusky Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Mr. William J. McClusky, a well-known community member who practiced law locally over 40 years. He was also a strong advocate for higher education and taught within the criminal justice program at Jefferson Community College.
William J. McClusky was born November 10, 1935 in Syracuse, NY. He attended Bloomfield High School and was a graduate of Holy Cross College in Worchester, MA in 1957. He studied law at Syracuse University School of Law, graduating in 1960. In 1961, he moved to Watertown, NY and started his career with the Kinnie, Brown, & McClusky Law Firm in 1963. He married twice and had 6 sons and 2 daughters.
From 1963 to 1966 Mr. McClusky was the Jefferson County Assistant District Attorney. From 1966 to 1973 he was the Jefferson County District Attorney and the last Jefferson County District Attorney Coroner. He maintained a private practice the entire time he was district attorney. Mr. McClusky became Jefferson County Judge in 1973. He maintained a sole law practice from 1974 to 1988. In 1988 he formed McClusky Law Firm with his twin sons, James P., and Timothy M. McClusky.
Mr. McClusky had a passion for the judicial system during his lifelong law career and was very involved in service to the community. He was a member and past president of the New York State Bar Association. He was also on the founding board of directors for DPAO, as well as a founding member of CREDO. He served his community as a past president of the Adams Rotary and as a former member and founder of the Sacred Heart Foundation and the NNY Cerebral Palsy Association. Mr. McClusky was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
William J. McClusky passed away on October 3, 2004. Upon his death, his family and friends established the William J. McClusky Memorial Scholarship intended to aid a Jefferson Community College student who is entering a law-related field. Preference for this award is given to an employee of the McClusky Law Firm, LLC, and their families. This scholarship was offered for the first time in 2005.
The Jefferson Community College Foundation is grateful to the McClusky family and friends for creating this memorial scholarship.