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William E. Jensen

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Vallejo High School

William Jensen Obituary

William E. Jensen
Jan. 28, 1926 - July 13, 2012
The Honorable William E. Jensen passed away on Friday, July 13, 2012, following a recent accident. He was surrounded by his family.
Bill was born on a cold and stormy night in Chicago on Jan. 28, 1926.
He and his family moved to Vallejo, where Bill attended Vallejo High School. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bill graduated from high school a semester early so he could enlist in the Navy, where he served his country from 1943 to 1946. After his discharge from the Navy, Bill returned to Vallejo and attended Vallejo Junior College, where he was a standout football player. Bill went on to attend Hastings Law School.
In 1952, Bill began his career as a deputy district attorney for San Luis Obispo County and, two years later, he opened his own law practice in Vallejo. In 1961, Bill was appointed as judge of the Municipal Court by Gov. Pat Brown and, in 1979, Bill was elevated to the Superior Court by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. Bill retired from the bench in 1986 and became a deputy district attorney for Solano County. One year later, Bill was hired by the Board of Supervisors to be the Solano County public defender. Following his time as the public defender, Bill continued to serve the community as a retired judge until 2000. Throughout his years on the bench, Bill was known for his dynamic leadership abilities and his constant drive to do the right thing.
In addition to his service as a judge, Bill was very active in civic matters in Solano County. He served from 1959 to 1961 on the Vallejo City Council, was president of the Vallejo Junior Chamber of Commerce and served as a volunteer for the Vallejo Little League.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Fanny A. Jensen and Emil C. Jensen.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Corinne Jensen; sister, Lucille Marshall; daughter, Karen (Luis) Jensen; son, Kurt (Janis) Jensen; grandchildren, Tyler (Victoria) Jensen, Ashleigh (Joshua) Jensen and Travis Jensen; great-grandchildren, Lucas Jensen and Eve Dement; and his dog, Suli.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at Green Valley Country Club on July 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Benicia/Vallejo Humane Society.

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

Published by The Reporter on Jul. 18, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William Jensen

14 Entries

Dave Richardson

July 24, 2012

I had the pleasure of meeting Judge Jensen through my parents. He was a man that was deeply respected by his collegues and friends. I am certain he will be deeply missed.

Corinne Quinn

July 23, 2012

Sending thoughts and prayers to the Jensen Family.

Mildred, Cortez, and Corinne Quinn

Edward Mobery

July 23, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Terry Curtola

July 21, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about Judge Jensen's passing, besides serving on the City Council with my father, I had the privelege of sharing many wonderful times with Bill myself. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. My family and I offer our condolences to the Jensen family.

Terry Curtola

Claire Gozar

July 21, 2012

Karen, you are in my thoughts and prayers. My family sends their condolences.

Rick and Linda Van Alfen

July 21, 2012

Rick and I were so sorry to hear of Mr. Jensen's recent passing. He was a wonderful, kind man. Our sincere condolences to all of you.

Danny Bumphus

July 21, 2012

Kurt...my sincere condolences; since little league, before we ever understood what a "judge" was, your Dad's presence seemed to ensure that all would be okay...his slight smirk before his comforting smile will certainly be missed...

JIM EASTERLING

July 21, 2012

TO THE JENSEN FAMILY: BILL WAS A GREAT PERSON AND A VERY FAIR PERSON. HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ME. JIM EASTERLING

July 20, 2012

Mrs. Jensen, Kurt and Karen, I'm so very sorry to hear about Judge Jensen's passing. I'm sure my mom and dad welcomed him with open arms. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. There is a new star in the heavens.
Much Love, Nancy Jazuk (Wilson)& Family

Skee Lisle

July 20, 2012

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I was one of the 12 member's of the Golfing Gourmet's who for a few year's enjoy good fellowship great golf trips with #I being the three day jount with our wife's to Pebble Beach,what great fun that was. So many good times, so many great laughs. Always a fabulous Dinner after each golf outing. Bill was our leader. I loved the Guy. Skee.

Edward Grigg

July 19, 2012

My sincere condolences to Judge Jensens family, he was a gracious gentlenman with a Profressional side that is hard to match........I am happy that I had the pleasure of

talking with him just not long ago at the Redwood Vets........God Bless such a gracious man........

Bill (Billy) Randolph

July 19, 2012

It was my privilege to know Judge Jensen who was my little league baseball coach back in the 60s. His son Kurt and I played on the same team. He was avery special man to me as well as my family. To Mrs. Jensen, Kurt and the rest of the family you have my prayers.

Verlyn Hays

July 19, 2012

I had the priveledge of knowing Judge Jensen in my youth and was able to take him on a tour of my ship when visiting the bay area during my military career. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Suzy Norris

July 18, 2012

I had the privilege of serving on a 3-month long trial as a jury member with Judge Jensen about 15 years ago. I could not have been more impressed with Judge Jensen. He was smart, personable, honorable, had complete control of the courtroom and he also had a sharp sense of humor. I've never seen or met a judge I felt more highly of. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but I am glad I was able to cross paths with him. My condolences to his family.

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