James Frederick Picton

SALISBURY — James Frederick Picton, age 71, of Salisbury, died peacefully on Sept. 14 after a long struggle with medical problems. He was the loving husband of Sarah (Cooke) Picton, who predeceased him. Sarah always said “Jim, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” Their time together was precious to Jim.

Born Nov. 22, 1952, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Jim was the first child of Frederick James Picton and Evelyn Atkinson Picton. He grew up in Watchung, New Jersey, and graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School. After starting at Ohio Wesleyan University, he moved to New Hampshire and became a carpenter, studied English and journalism at Keene State University, and married Jennifer MacKenzie, with whom he raised three boys. He later married Paula McGray, whom he met at Quaker meetings. Their shared interests included bluegrass and traditional shape note singing.

Jim learned the trades early and had a career as a principled, accurate, and talented builder, in New Hampshire, Alaska in the late 1970’s, then in Washington, Conn., where he built a major resort inn and many fine homes. Jim built his parents’ dream house in Roxbury, where the extended family gathered, grew up, worked, and played for 40 years. He had a long building partnership with his brother Mark, based at Washington’s old Woodruff Garage.

Bold from his early days, it was Jim who built the go-carts, tree forts, and high rope swings, and always ready to go first, led his friends in adventures and misadventures. As an adult, he became a careful and dedicated pilot, and took us on many unforgettable flights above the clouds and over our amazing world. When a heart condition took away his pilot’s license, he learned to wind surf and became a certified hang glider. Jim was an excellent cook, willing to try anything especially if wild caught or gathered, odd or obscure. We will miss him cooking and serving his chowder, fishcakes, gumbo and chili.

Jim liked to empower people and let them take charge. Gently, he would say “what do you think?” meaning “when you ask a question, have the answer ready,” or sometimes “why don’t you fly the plane?” He put people at ease. He counseled conscientious objectors. His love for literature and expressive, clear writing, thinking, and talking merged with his bright humor to make him interesting and delightful company. When someone admired a newly built space, he liked to say “well, the space has always been here.” He wrote articles for building magazines and a pilot’s magazine.

Jim’s favorite place was on Cape Cod. He would walk barefoot through the dunes to fish in the surf, day or night. He loved quahogs, the smell of fish on the water, high and low tides, the shore, shoals, and the deep blue and emerald water, still and swift. His memory was sharp and clear to the last, bringing back the details we had forgotten. So he takes part of our lives with him on this journey, but we will thrive on the life he shared with us. He loved his family and friends.

Jim is survived by three sons, Derrick James, (diane Foglizzo), Dominick David (Katie Arteagaduran), and Dustin Mark Ian (Katie Picton); grandchildren Isaac, Finley, Beatrix, Antoine, Nicolas, Jackson, Frederick, Lawrence, and Romilly; brothers Mark Edward (Cynthia Williamson) and David Alan (Emiko Hayashi), sister Glynis Houde (Michael Houde); and nieces Ariel and Leah, and two nephews Hunter and Cameron.

Friends are welcome to join family at a memorial service to be held on Saturday Nov. 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lime Rock Church in Lakeville, CT. For those who wish to make a memorial contribution, we suggest Northeast Public Radio, the Housatonic Valley Association, or the American Red Cross of CT.

Latest News

School budgets pass amid strong turnout in May 20 polling

With robust voter turnout throughout the region, proposed 2025-26 education budgets passed handily, along with their additional propositions, in the polling held on Tuesday, May 20.

Webutuck Central School District

By a margin of 173 to 103, voters approved the 2025-26 budget totaling $28,665,850, an increase of 5.96% over the current year. After expected revenues are factored in, the amount to be raised by local taxes is $19,403,307, a 5.27% increase over the current year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook names top-ranked scholars

Amber Concannon

Photo provided

MILLBROOK — Strong leadership skills and confidence in communication are evident contributors to Amber Concannon having earned her designation as Valedictorian of the Millbrook High School Class of 2025.

“I have truly loved my time at Millbrook,” Amber said of her Millbrook schooling that began when she was enrolled in kindergarten.

Keep ReadingShow less
Village Trustees hear call to adopt law to limit local cooperation with ICE

Barbara Graham of Millerton speaks to Village trustees, Mayor Jenn Najdek and Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik during a May 21 special meeting.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton board of trustees held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 21 that drew an unusually large crowd. Nearly 20 residents and supporters showed up to urge officials to adopt a local law aimed at protecting immigrants, including undocumented community members.

The law, as proposed by meeting attendees, would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Amenia gathers at Fountain Square

A traditional Memorial Day observance to honor the fallen was held Fountain Square on Monday, May 26. The ceremony included an Honor Guard from the Wassaic Fire Company standing by the Veterans’ Memorial Wall.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — The community gathered at Fountain Square under sunny skies on Monday, May 26, for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the fallen who bravely served their country. Remembrances, tributes, prayers and music combined to create the fitting annual tribute.

An Honor Guard from VFW Post #5444 of Dover Plains presented the colors at the start of the ceremony that began promptly at 11 a.m. with a welcome from VFW Commander Nick Woodard to the more than 100 who had gathered.

Keep ReadingShow less