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Gregory Starr Jensen

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San Francisco State University

Gregory Jensen Obituary

12/27/35 - 12/27/06

Aptos resident Gregory Starr Jensen passed away in the Palo Alto Veteran's Hospital on the day of his 71st birthday, after a lengthy illness.

Greg was the middle child of Roland Jensen and Elva Wyckoff Jensen, and was raised in Burmingame. After graduation from Burlingame High, where he lettered in football and track, Greg enlisted in the Marine Corps, where a tragic accident left him paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Despite his disability, Greg's achievements were many. He graduated from College of San Mateo and San Francisco State University with lifetime honors, and went on to Stanford Law School. He passed the California State Bar exam from his wheelchair and went on to become a criminal case deputy district attorney for San Mateo County.

Greg's next career step was as head of the county's private defender program for juveniles, and from there was appointed to the bench by then Governor Jerry Brown in 1979. He served as municipal court judge for San Mateo County for the next 21 years. When the San Mateo County courts were consolidated, Greg became Superior Court judge.

Greg's determination to succeed did not end there. He was an outstanding athlete, and completed in both the national and international wheelchair games in New York, Canada, the British Isles, and Israel. In New York, he set a new middleweight lifting record by pressing 320 pounds. He played wheelchair basketball with the Golden Spokes, and competed in archery and shot put and "ran" 10k races in his chair. Upon his retirement in 2000, Greg moved to Aptos to be near the ocean and forests he so deeply loved.

Greg is survived by his sisters, Linda Jensen of Santa Cruz and Ann Jensen of Eugene, Oregon; his niece Annalysa Zeanah of Capitola, Jennifer Clopton of San Jose, Chris Nerland of Stanwood Washington, and his nephew Steve Jensen of Eugene, Oregon. Greg leaves 13 great nieces and nephews.

A private service for Greg's family will be held in the near future, with a celebration of his life to follow in the spring for family and friends. His life touched and inspired so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Greg's honor to the Bay Area Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 3801 Miranda Ave., #816, Palo Alto, CA 94304.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Jan. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Jensen

15 Entries

Terry and Ron Ligon

January 10, 2007

Our prayers go out to Greg's family. Both Ron and I enjoyed knowing Greg; me,through my years as a court reporter from the mid '70s through the time of his retirement in 2000, and Ron, through his years as a deputy sheriff/bailiff. We came to know Greg as an attorney in the criminal/civil/juvenile courts and, ultimately, as the Honorable Greg Jensen, Judge. He always had a smile for me whenever we'd see each other in or out of the court rooms and always, without fail, took the time to stop and talk a little or just say "Hi Terry" if he was in a rush to court. Both Ron and I are very appreciative to have known Greg.

Joe Franzoia

January 9, 2007

I had the privilege of meeting and working with Greg Jensen since 1969. Greg is the definition of the word "Class". A real Hero. I know that he is at a place where his chariot will no longer be required.

Cynthia Mosqueda-Knox

January 9, 2007

Sincere condolences to the Jensen Family. I will forever hold dear the 13 years, beginning in the early '70s, that I spent "up on the hill" with the Hillcrest gang, amongst whom I had the privilege to have known and worked with Greg. Now, some thirty-odd years later, I still fondly recall the many fun times we all had getting to know each other and working well together. Greg was, by far, one of my favorites and was always considerate, funny and friendly, and I admired his way with people and him as a person. Many of the juveniles he represented during his time at Hillcrest have no idea how better off they are today for having simply crossed paths with his. A fond memory is when we all went to play softball somewhere and Greg was up to bat, asking me to run the bases for him, though a runner I never was. I was so amazed at how far he'd hit the ball that I forgot to run. It didn't matter, the game was for fun, and we found plenty of ways to share and have fun during those years of working together. Yes, many good times, those. I referred to Greg as "my personal dictionary" on life -- (and Walter Scott as "my personal encyclopaedia").
Greg, THANK YOU for all those times that yet bring a smile to my heart. Until we all meet again, mahalo and aloha nui loa.

Kenton Wong

January 9, 2007

I had the professional pleasure to testify in Judge Jensen's courtroom on numerous occasions over the years. I could always be sure of his even handedness, professionalism, and forthrightness from the bench for which he had my utmost respect. My deepest sympathies to the family. May God comfort and bless you during this difficult time.

Les Caldwell. SMCSO

January 8, 2007

Godspeed my old friend. I joyfully recall the late 70's when we worked together every day for nearly two years at Hillcrest Juv. Court. I was Commissioner Severian's Bailiff and you were in the Private Def. Program. I nick-named you "Hotwheels" because of the way you would speed across the lobby to be in court on time. It was an honor and privilege to be your friend and co-worker.

Joanne Del Bene

January 8, 2007

Greg was truly an inspiration for many people of all different walks of life. It was a pleasure having him serve as a Judge in San Mateo County.

Don Wright

January 8, 2007

During my career as a San Mateo County Deputy Sheriff, I was often an observer in Judge Jensen's court Room.

I always admired his professionalism and his no nonsense approach in dealing with all who entered his courtroom.

I also had the honor of knowing Greg socially, as we had friends in common. He was always gregarious and fun to be around.

Semper Fi !

Don Wright
In His Grip!

H. Vic Voss, Cmdr.of Oper. Ret.

January 8, 2007

Katie and I send our condolences to
Greg's family, and want them to know
we will miss him. Greg joined us all
at Burlingame High in 1950 and he was well liked for his smiling,friendly approach to anyone
who came to him. I also admired him
greatly as an excellent Judge, having worked with him during my 31
years with the Hillsborough Police
Dept. He was a fine human being..

Gil Gagnon

January 8, 2007

As a bailiff at Hillcrest in the early '70s, I first worked with Greg, and immediately came to admire him and enjoy his company. Quick witted, dedicated, inspirational. Sorely missed.

Daniel Marshall

January 8, 2007

Farewell my friend. It was an honor and a privilege to know you. Semper Fidelis,
Officer Dan Marshall
Redwood City Police Department

Rick Schrier

January 7, 2007

Greg was an outstanding Judge and it was an honor to have worked as a Bailiff in his courtroom. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Chris Nerland

January 6, 2007

If there was a defination of a true man it would have been Gregory Starr. I admired him as a small child for his strength and determination. I named my second son Matthew Gregory, hoping my son would turn out half as strong and remarkable as his namesake. His passing leaves a huge hole in my heart. I know he is now in a better place. I love you Uncle Greg.

Doug Steiner

January 6, 2007

My sympathy to all of of Judge Jensen's family, I share in your loss and your grief.I dealt with Greg throughout my career at the Sheriff's Office and always enjoyed his candor as well as his sense of humor, both on and off the bench. Being a former Marine myself I always felt a sort of kinship with him, and only learned a few years ago how he became disabled. I always felt that Greg served as an example to all of us that you never let your handicap get you down. I know he is in a better place, and is probably hard at work making heaven a better and safer place. I wish all of his family the best of luck during this difficult time.

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