Max Wilcox Jr.

Judge Max Wilcox, Jr. July 7, 1920 - August 14, 2007 Resident of Walnut Creek Died peacefully at his home in Rossmoor the afternoon of August 14 following a six month battle with cancer. The only son of Max and Mae Paulsen Wilcox, he was born July 7, 1920 in Bayard, NE, but moved to California at a young age. Educated in San Francisco, he graduated with Honors from St. Ignatius High School and moved on to earn his B.A. from UC Berkeley, where he was a member of the Big C Society, Order of the Golden Bear, and a loyal member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity His legal studies at Berkeley were disrupted as he served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy, spending more than 27 months in the South Pacific. Following his discharge as a Lt. commander, he returned to Berkeley to earn his law degree from the University of California Boalt Hall School of Law. Max's distinguished 38-year law career in Contra Costa County, as a partner in the firm of Tinning and De Lap, then in Richmond, includes his services as city attorney of El Cerrito and his unlimited community services. Judge Wilcox was appointed to the Superior Court in Martinez by former Governor Ronald Reagan and was re-elected in 1978 and 1984. He was named "Trial Judge of the Year" by the Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers' Association in 1979. He was named "Presiding Judge" by his fellow jurists in 1974 and 1984. He was recognized as a sage, compassionate and capable advisor to fellow jurists, attorneys and private citizens and appropriately known as a "Judge's Judge." He retired in 1987. He and his wife, Jeanne, moved to Rossmoor in 1996. He became immediately active with the Cal Alumnae Group at Rossmoor along with other organizations. In his last years he derived great pleasure from his "Golf-Foursome" and his "Bridge-Foursome" although the "rules of play" were somewhat innovative! He was an avid reader, and along with having completed all the trips on his "wish list" he was content and enjoyed his many friends and family get-togethers. He was predeceased by two daughters: Denise (D.D.) Rae and Cindy McDowell. He leaves Jeanne (Watson), his wife of 63 years; his children: Dr. Gregory Wilcox, Mary Wilcox, Terri Giovanetti (Randy); his six grandchildren: Rebecca Wilcox, Jeff Wilcox (Phoebe), Mimi Wilcox, Josh McDowell (Laura), Mia Giovanetti, Derek Giovanetti; and one great-grandchild, his pride and joy, Bodie McDowell. Max was a sentimental, peace-loving man, with a keen sense of humor, devoted to his family. A Celebration of his life is planned for September 8th at 11:00 am in the "Vista Room" al Hillside Clubhouse in Rossmoor. Internment will have taken place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, Max would have preferred memorial contributions be made in his memory to: Hospice of East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, or to the charity of your choice. Wilson & Kratzer - Danville 925-820-2999