Alumni Spotlight

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT James Dressman

Covington Latin School is blessed with many legacy families. These families believe in the mission of Covington Latin School so much that they have sent two or more generations of children to CLS. The Dressman family is just one example that spans three generations. This family’s legacy began with James Dressman Jr. James was born in 1922, was the oldest of nine children, and grew up in Latonia, Kentucky. At age 11, James left home and moved in with his aunt to be closer to Covington Latin School. As did many of James’s classmates, he entered the seminary, but he left after a year and a half. Still wanting to serve his community, he believed entering law would be the next best thing to serving as a priest. He began his study of law at Xavier University. However, World War II broke out, and he had to halt his studies. He served in the Merchant Marines and was shipped to the European and Pacific Theaters. Upon his return home from the war, James continued his study of law. During this time, he married his sweetheart, Theresa Martin Boone. This union was blessed with 12 children, many of whom attended Covington Latin School.

James entered politics as a state representative of Kentucky in 1952 and served four years and earned the distinction of being the youngest state representative to be elected. He then became Master Commissioner of the Kenton County Circuit Court. In 1962, he made a successful run for Judge Executive. While this was meant only to be a part-time job, Judge Dressman’s servant leadership and commitment to his community had him working tirelessly for the citizens of Northern Kentucky. Under his watch, Judge Dressman created a Probate Court form system, improved the county roads system, created the Kenton County park system, developed the Kenton County Golf Course, instituted the Kenton County Health District that bears his name, created the Sanitation District, built the courthouse in Covington, and created the Women’s Crisis Center. He worked with fellow Judge Executives in the region to consolidate services and helped develop the region by purchasing land for the Greater Cincinnati International Airport.

Politically, Judge Dressman was quite progressive. The first African American Judge Pro Temp, John Delaney, served under him. He was the district campaign manager for John Kennedy and was asked to run for Kentucky State Senate. He declined because he felt he could not rise any higher in politics without losing his integrity.

While his law practice and political position were important to him, his priority was, first and foremost, his family. Two of his children, Jim and Mary Sue, shared that their father made them their priority making it home for dinner each night. To James and Theresa, Catholic education was a priority, and they worked hard to send them all to Catholic schools. Honoring this commitment, the Dressman family has established The Judge James A. Dressman and Theresa Dressman Memorial Scholarship for all students wishing a Covington Latin School education.