CJ (Carl John) Lutton was to me a Renaissance man, defined as “a person who has wide interests and is expert in several areas.” The scope and depth of his knowledge and talent always astounded me. He had an incredible memory, loved reading, writing, the arts, history, politics and most of all creating – always.
His early years, he grew up in the streets of North Bergen, NJ, with his mother, father and older brother. His beloved grandfather, near and dear to him was special in his life.
CJ was never a practical man, but a dreamer, and he floated though many jobs in all sorts of industries for a long time; even tried out for quarterback with the NY Jets at open tryouts. Until he went into the US Army and serving honorably under his commander, for four years in Germany. Receiving commendation for his service there.
Together we found something that so worked for him, owning a print shop and small advertising agency, getting our first Mac and CJ was happy, He taught himself how to run presses, cameras (read the manuals) and all thing relating to this industry; plus designing and typesetting on his Mac!
When we closed up shop, he taught printing at a correction facility, winning awards and first place in printing and design with a four color book describing the institution for accreditation. He worked at a high school winning the respect of those he worked with – he had a dry sense of humor and was their resident prankster. He joined a writer’s club “The Fan Story” and won recognition for his poetry by his peers.
I pushed him – made him stay home and finish all of his Sherlock Holmes stories among other ideas that filled his head. Unfortunately, much of what he wrote got lost when he passed, but Sherlock lives, and we’re working to resurrect more of his work.
CJ was a wonderful man, respectful, loving, giving – always there to help no matter how dire the situation. He was a man with no ego, comfortable within himself, telling me that I was the only one whose respect and comfort he needed.
He said I love you Bo, you complete me! I loved him!
I hope you enjoy his stories. Let me know.
Thank you,