Alameda County Superior Court judge and longtime Piedmont resident Jim Cramer died at his home Wednesday morning. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 27 at 5:00 pm at Bishop O’Dowd High, his family said on Friday. Cramer’s wife, Carol Cramer, is the former principal of Wildwood Elementary School.
Cramer was in his ninth year on the bench, and had a full day of cases scheduled for hearings at his Dublin courtroom, according to the East Bay Times.
Presiding Judge Thomas Nixon released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying the loss of Cramer will be “deeply felt.”
“Jim was an exemplary judge, but an even more exemplary colleague and friend,” Nixon said. “His passing has left those that knew him in shock and grief. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
Cramer was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2015. His most publicized moment as a judge came in 2018, when he rejected a plea deal involving the two men charged in connection with the Ghost Ship warehouse fire, after hearing hours of emotional pleas from family members of the 36 people killed.
Before becoming a judge, Cramer worked as an attorney in the Alameda County Public Defender’s office. He spent 11 years there. Before that, he worked as a private attorney, and before that, briefly, as a prosecutor. He was well-respected by lawyers on both “sides” of the criminal justice system.
East Bay Times, March 20, 2024
Will greatly miss Judge Cramer’s sense of humor. One of the most pleasant judges I have appeared before. May he RIP.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Cramer was one of the finest judges on the bench. He had a wealth of experience, he was appropriately patient and he was a genuinely nice man. His loss is still a shock but his presence and legacy will live on forever.
Ahh, Jim!!
Never to forget your twinkling eyes, broad smile and gregarious laughter!
Thank you for officiating Colin and Mollie’s wedding on the very blustery
but very beautiful day in March!
Jim was an exceptional person who over the years dedicated countless hours as a youth soccer coach helping to support athletes in the community. My daughter was very fortunate to be one of those athletes and through soccer over the years we got to know Jim. This is truly sad news and our hearts go out to Carol and the entire Cramer family.
What a loss! Our hearts go out to Carol and family. Thinking of the entire community during this sad time.