James Arthur Cutelis, affectionately known as “Jamey”, of Tewksbury, a well-known Greater Lowell Attorney and longtime member of the Tewksbury School Committee, passed away on May 12, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Mesothelioma.
Jamey was born on November 5, 1956, son of the late Arthur J. and Jean A. Cutelis. He was the beloved husband of Maria L. (Procopio) Cutelis. Loving Dad and Stepdad to Audrey Kelly and her husband Patrick of Lynn, Evan Cutelis and his wife Sara of Somerville, Kayla Salah and her husband Tom of Tewksbury, Kelsey Kelich and her husband Pete of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and Frankie McLaughlin and his wife Alexis of Las Vegas, Nevada. Brother to Chris Cutelis and his wife Miriam of Springfield, Virginia, Cynthe Roberson and her husband Donald of Wyckoff, New Jersey, and Susan Cutelis and her husband Jim Burke of Dracut. Devoted Grandfather and loving “Papa J” to Beau, Cash, Maeve, Owen, Cal, Jace and Stella.
Jamey graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1974 and followed with a degree from UMass Lowell. He then went on to pursue a law degree from Northeastern University where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1984. He practiced law in Lowell and Tewksbury for over 40 years where he was a champion for all he served.
As a devoted parent to the education of his children, he knew the value of early education. It was then he began his passionate advocacy for the betterment of the children of the Tewksbury Public Schools. He built a coalition called U-25 advocating to reduce class sizes to under 25 students per class. He believed strongly that students would be better served by their teachers and mentors when classes were smaller.
He served over a decade on the Tewksbury School Committee. During that time, he served on committees charged with ensuring fully funded budgets, hiring Superintendents, Business Managers, School Principals, and other administrators. These committees also worked to implement full day kindergarten, the educator evaluation system, and the negotiation of a number of contracts with employee groups. Additionally, he served on the Tewksbury Finance Committee and the Ryan School Building Committee. He chaired the Wynn School Building Committee, the School Facilities Master Plan Committee, and the High School Building Committee. Finally, he served as the Vice-Chair of the Center Elementary School Building Committee and most recently served on the Tewksbury Schools Facilities Study Committee. He never wavered from his passion to the Tewksbury Public Schools, always giving tirelessly to those endeavors.
Despite the endless time and effort, he was dedicated to his career as a lawyer and community advocate, he found time to enjoy a beautiful life with his wife, family, and adorable grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan and lover of the Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins. He played softball for countless years where he was known as “Streetshot Cutelis” hitting the long ball and driving homers for his team. Most recently he even played for the Nashua Senior Softball league. A devoted husband, father, brother, friend, and community activist, Jamey approached life with passion and enthusiasm, leaving a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Calling hours are Monday, May 18, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral service Tuesday, 10 a.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave., Woburn. Family requests those attending to meet at church. Burial to follow at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations to Brigham and Women’s Hospital (brighamandwomens.org) are requested.