A respected and trusted Dauphin County attorney for 33 years, Jim Zugay brings decades of experience, integrity, and community service to his candidacy for Judge. Born and raised in Middletown, PA, Jim learned the values of hard work, compassion, and justice from his parents, Joseph and Pauline Zugay. These guiding principles have shaped his life and distinguished his legal and professional career.

A graduate of Middletown Area High School, Jim excelled both academically and athletically, earning a spot as a collegiate pitcher at Shippensburg University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Economics. He went on to graduate in the top 15% of his class from Widener University School of Law, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in law and public service.

Jim began his legal career at the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office, where he served for 12 years. During this time, he represented clients in hundreds of trials, from retail theft to multiple homicide cases, including death penalty litigation. His courtroom experience has made him a recognized expert in Pennsylvania legal proceedings. In private practice, Jim has represented hundreds of clients in criminal and civil matters, including family law, real estate, contracts, and guardianship cases. He is admitted to practice before all Pennsylvania state courts, as well as federal courts, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

Since 2004, Jim has served as Dauphin County’s Recorder of Deeds, revolutionizing the office through technological innovation and fiscal responsibility. Under his leadership, the office:

• Became one of the first in the state to implement electronic document recording, reducing processing times to mere minutes and ensuring seamless operations during COVID-19.

• ​Reduced the office’s physical footprint by 60%, creating space for a much-needed expansion of the District Attorney’s Office and saving taxpayers over $500,000 annually.

• Launched a free Record Notification Service (RNS) to protect homeowners from fraud.

• ​Introduced a Veterans ID discount program to honor those who served.

• Coordinated statewide efforts to pass legislation allowing homeowners to repudiate discriminatory language in deeds.

Jim’s dedication to innovation earned him the distinction of being the first Recorder of Deeds in Pennsylvania history to be elected President of the Statewide Recorder Association twice.

Jim’s commitment to public service extends beyond the courtroom and county office. He has served on numerous boards, including the Hershey Trojan Education Foundation, Morningstar Pregnancy Services, and the Dauphin County Hospital Authority. He has coached youth sports for over 15 years and volunteers for organizations supporting Central Pennsylvania’s homeless families.A devout member of Seven Sorrows BVM Catholic Church, Jim has been a Knight of Columbus for over two decades and is a proud member of the Hummelstown Field and Stream Association.

Jim and his wife, Deanna, have been married since 1996 and are the proud parents of two daughters, Cassie and Claudia, both graduates of Hershey High School. Jim’s strong family values and dedication to his community have earned him respect as a leader who understands the needs of local families.

In his high school years, Jim was the Hardee’s Hamburger Eating Champion two years in a row, raising thousands of dollars for United Cerebral Palsy—a testament to his determination and creative approach to making a difference.