James A. Rutkowski
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
In office January 7, 1985 – December 7, 1997
Preceded by	Gervase Hephner
Succeeded by	Jeff A. Stone
Constituency	82nd district
In office January 3, 1983 – January 7, 1985
Preceded by	David E. Paulson
Succeeded by	David E. Paulson
Constituency	28th district
In office January 1, 1973 – January 3, 1983
Preceded by	District established
Succeeded by	Gervase Hephner
Constituency	82nd district
In office January 4, 1971 – January 1, 1973
Preceded by	Jerry J. Wing
Succeeded by	District abolished
Constituency	Milwaukee 23rd district
Personal details
Born	(1942-04-06) April 6, 1942 (age 82) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Jean
Children	None
Residence	Greenfield, Wisconsin
Alma mater	Marquette University ( B.S., J.D.)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army U.S. Army Reserve
Years of service	1966–1972
Unit	Army Security Agency Judge Advocate General's Corps

James A. Rutkowski (born April 6, 1942) is a retired American attorney and Democratic politician. He served 27 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly (1971–1997) representing southwest Milwaukee County.

Rutkowski was born on April 6, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ^[1] He graduated from Bay View High School and Marquette University. ^[2] In 1966, Rutkowski joined the United States Army Reserve. After initially serving in the United States Army Security Agency, he transferred to the Judge Advocate General's Corps in 1969. He remained with the Reserve until 1972. Additionally, Rutkowksi was a member of the faculty at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the United States Junior Chamber.

Rutkowski was elected to the Assembly in 1970. That same year, he was elected to be a trustee of Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He was reelected to the Assembly 13 times and resigned in December 1997 to accept an appointment to the state Labor and Industry Review Commission. ^[3]