James Russell Guthrie

James (Jim) Guthrie, 81, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, April 10. Formerly of New Canaan, Connecticut, Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Marketing from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Arts and Science. While at Penn, he was President of the Glee Club, Chairman of the Performing Arts Council, member of Delta Tau Delta, and a member of the varsity tennis team. Additionally, Jim was a member of the university’s Friars Senior Society.

Jim spent more than 40 years as a leader in advertising, publishing and advertising self regulation. Most recently, Jim was Senior Consultant of Advertising and Marketing for the Council of Better Business Bureau. He previously held roles as President and CEO of the National Advertising Review Council and Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Petersen Publishing. He spent 10 years as Executive Vice President of Marketing at Magazine Publishers of America and seven years as President of the advertising agency John Emmerling Inc. He began his career in advertising with roles at Foote, Cone and Belding, Ted Bates & Company, and SSC&B Advertising. Jim was also a guest lecturer at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism and was the author of, “Advertising Self Regulation.”

An avid tennis player, Jim was a member of the Lake Club and played at the New Canaan Racquet Club. He served on the Board of Trustees at the Congregational Church of New Canaan and was a chairman of the church’s annual stewardship campaign. He had no greater love in life than that for his family.

Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ann; brother Alexander Cameron Guthrie; daughter Elizabeth Guthrie DellaVolpe and her husband Duncan DellaVolpe; daughter MacLean Guthrie and her partner Grant Hull; grandchildren James and Emma DellaVolpe; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in the near future at the Congregational Church of New Canaan.

Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Guthrie family with arrangements.  You are invited to share a fond memory, photo or words of comfort for Jim's family on this website on Jim's Tribute Wall.

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