Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jeffrey Almquist Obituary
Aug. 19, 1948 - Oct. 7, 2018
Felton
John Jeffrey Almquist, age 70, passed away suddenly on Oct. 7, 2018, while on vacation in Lyon, France with his wife of 41 years, Julie.
Born on Aug. 19, 1948 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey to the late John and Jeanne Almquist. Jeff graduated from Yale University and the University of Connecticut School of Law.
Jeff met the love of his life, Julie, at a dinner with mutual friends and they married in 1977 after moving to Felton. Soon, they were proud parents to sons Sam and John. Jeff became an active member in the community, serving as a Scout Leader, youth soccer coach for his son's teams, was a Scott's Valley Lion's club member, served on numerous boards in the local area and did pro bono work for many volunteer organizations.
Professionally, Jeff practiced law from 1976 to 1996, focusing on business and bankruptcy litigation. In 1996, he was elected to the Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors and re-elected in 2000, proudly serving the Fifth District until Oct. 2003, when he was appointed to the Santa Cruz Superior Court. Judge Almquist served as the court's presiding judge in 2010 and 2011. For the past seven years, he has served on the bench in the family law assignment at the Watsonville branch.
With a quick wit and somewhat mischievous twinkle in his eye, Jeff enjoyed life to the fullest, always welcoming friends and family with a warm embrace, indulging in his passion for reading, sports, travel, and cooking. He was always ready with an endless supply of stories, was generous with both his love and time, and loved to find the humor in almost any situation.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Julie, sons Sam and John, daughters-in-law Sarah and Doris, sister Jennifer, and numerous other extended family members.
A celebration of Jeff's life will be held at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 3rd, 2018 at 3:00pm, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity in his memory.
View the online memorial for Jeffrey Almquist
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Almquist
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
6 Entries
Sky Hall
October 31, 2018
Judge Almquist had many tough decisions to make during his time in the family court room. He was a very fair and noble person and I will honor him forever. He allowed me precious time with my son. He apparently knew what it meant to be a good father and he saw that in me. I hope his friends and family realize the enormous population of families he has helped over all these years.
Peace to you all.
-Sky H.
Diane Cohan
October 28, 2018
I remember the lovely celebration when Jeff became a Judge at a Felton restaurant ... we had a wonderful time .. So sad to hear of his untimely passing ... Diane Cohan
Suzy Hunt
October 26, 2018
Jeff, you are missed. Your wit, intelligence, genuineness and kindness are missed. May you rest in peace my friend and may your family and all of us who were privileged to know you find solace in the good memories you left with us.
Michelle Pelton-Turner
October 24, 2018
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Almquist family. I did not know Judge Almquist personally but I did know his wife Mrs. Almquist (she was my 7th grade reading teacher) and I went to school with his son Sam. But from what I have heard and read about Judge Almquist he will be deeply missed.
Terri Bullock
October 23, 2018
I don't think I ever saw Jeff when he didn't give me a friendly smile and a hug. He was kind and made me feel comfortable to be around him. He always had something cheerful or clever to say as well as being a wealth of information with great travel stories. I will miss seeing him very much.
Brian Murtha
October 23, 2018
Judge Jeff began each day in Family Court in a cheerful mood. (That could change, because he really cared how folks treated each other and he was short of patience for people being unkind.) My most challenging family law case was saved by the Judge applying a 14 page evaluation of spousal support, when neither I nor my client could clearly convey her situation.
I will miss Jeff Almquist every time I walk down the hall at the Watsonville court building.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Jeffrey Almquist's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Jeffrey Almquist
How to support Jeffrey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jeffrey Almquist's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
