Working to check j pipe under kitchen sink... is it always counter clock wise to separate connectors on the j pipe?

Righty-tighty Lefty-loosie! That's the way things work in plumbing. The only exception is the flush lever on your toilet. That has a left hand thread. Counter clockwise is the way to go on your trap. Good luck, Tom

If it is an older chrome/brass type, you may want to spray some WD 40 on the fitting joints, wait a while, and then try to loosen.