Hamilton L. Hintz Jr.

1933 - 2024

Hamilton L. Hintz Jr

February 21, 1933 - July 31, 2024

Elk Grove, California - On July 31, 2024, Hamilton L. Hintz Jr (Ham) passed away from heart complications at age 91. Ham was the only child of Hamilton L. Hintz Sr. and Doris W. Hintz, born on February 21, 1933 in Sacramento. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Brian and Steven Hintz, and former wife Maryanne Lynch. Ham is survived by his wife Rita Hintz, son Eric Hintz (Ronda), four grandsons and ten great grandchildren.

Ham grew up in Sacramento and graduated from McClatchy High School (1950); Sacramento Jr College (1952); Sacramento State College (1954); and the University of California Law School Berkeley (1960).

As a 21-year-old just out of college, Ham volunteered for the draft in December 1954; served two years in the Army on active duty and six years on inactive reserve. The first three months at Fort Ord in Infantry Basic Training then four months at the Army Intelligence School.

After graduation from the Army Intelligence School, Ham did investigative work in and around Washington DC as a Counter Intelligence Corps Special Agent.

On separation from active-duty, Ham considered staying in Washington DC to continue doing intelligence/investigative work with agencies such as the CIA, FBI and NSA; however, he returned to California for law school and eventually a job as a prosecutor.

Ham was a deputy and supervising deputy District Attorney for Sacramento County for 10 years. During that time, he made filing decisions on incoming felony cases and assigned cases to other deputies, personally handled murder and other serious and violent felony cases; and served as an instructor at the Sacramento Police and Sheriff Academies, the CHP Academy and CSUS.

Ham entered private practice in 1970 and for 42 years had an office at the Court Plaza Building across the street from the Sacramento County Courthouse.

In private practice, he did some civil litigation, family law, and probate work, but mostly criminal cases as a defense attorney, special prosecutor and Pro Tem Juvenile and Superior Court Judge for Sacramento County.

Special prosecutor cases included two murder cases for Amador County; other murder cases were offered by Sutter and Glenn Counties; and a sensitive Madera County case under appointment by the California Attorney General.

Ham was active in sports in high school and college; As a college senior, Ham led a student movement to start a football program at Sac State resulting in the first game being played at Homecoming, in 1954. His dedication and leadership played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the football program's early success and its enduring legacy at Sacramento State.

He also played baseball at Sacramento State and Fort Ord; Fast pitch softball for the DA Rams and the SPD homicide investigators and 35 years slow pitch softball with the Sacramento Golden Seniors.

Ham enjoyed water and snow skiing, golf, swimming, running and working out in his home gym. He also enjoyed vacationing with his wife Rita, watching sports and spending time with family and friends.

Ham leaves behind a loving wife and family and numerous friends. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Visitation: Thursday, August 22, 2024, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Rosary to follow at East Lawn Chapel, 9189 East Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove, CA.

Funeral Mass: Friday, August 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 9961 Elk Grove Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA.

Burial and reception to follow.