JAMES AARON

The Honorable James Isaac Aaron, Retired, went to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 4, 2016, following emergency cardiac surgery. Judge Aaron was the oldest son born to Armenian Immigrant, Isaac Aaron, and his wife, Charlotte Tashjian Aaron. Receiving his early education in Fresno, CA, he graduated from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1959. He later graduated from California State University, Fresno, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and later was awarded his Master of Business Administration. He entered law school at San Joaquin College of Law in 1970, as a member of the first Class of 1974. He worked full time in his own business while raising a family and going to law school at night. He became a Deputy Public Defender and won his first jury trial out of law school on the first day of work, shortly thereafter, becoming a Deputy District Attorney. He was elected Judge in 1978, with just three years of experience as an attorney, becoming one of the youngest judges in California at the time. He started Fresno County's very first Drug Court as its Judge, attaining a national record for recovery of addicts. He was Presiding Judge of the Central Valley Municipal Court from 1996 to 1998, thereby becoming San Joaquin College of Law's first presiding Judge. Judge Aaron was appointed to the faculty of the Judge's College in Berkeley where he taught Sentencing in 1980 and 1984, the first Justice Court Judge in Fresno history to do so. He was a 13 year Circuit Rider Judge for California, covering 75 cities on a regular basis, much of the time flying his own airplane to the various courts. He retired after 24 years on the bench and began American Judicial Settlements, a mediation practice. A Clovis, CA resident, he attended Trinity Community Church and served in Trinity's Orchestra. James "Jim" was a member of the Evangel Home Board, and volunteered at Fresno Rescue Mission. In his leisure time, Jim enjoyed fishing, spending time on the central coast with his wife, and spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing Scrabble and Dominos with friends, all while smoking a good cigar. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Aaron. Judge Aaron is survived by his wife of 14 years, Heather Harrison-Aaron. He is the father of David Aaron and his wife Michelle of Clovis, CA, and Michael Aaron of Fresno, CA; and their mother, Wanda Aaron. He is the step-father of Alex Clark of Clovis, CA, Candace Clark-Talbot and her husband Nick, and Lauren Clark, all of Fresno, CA. He is the brother of Richard Aaron and his wife Nancy of Fresno, CA; and is the beloved grandfather of seven grandchildren. A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at Trinity Community Church, 12168 North Willow Avenue, Clovis, CA. 93619, on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Fresno Rescue Mission. Jay Chapel, 1121 Roberts Avenue, Madera, California (559)674-8814