Funeral Details

Dear Judge Zagel,
May you rest in peace. I will always remember you as a kind and judicious person.
To you family; for me your memory will be a blessing I will appreciate till my day comes.
Mark

Mark Paley

Very sad to hear of the passing of Judge James Zagel. As an assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago, I had the honor of appearing before Judge Zagel many times during the period 1989-1999. Always the gentleman, always treating me and opposing counsel with the greatest of respect, I learned a great deal from him. Upon my selection as an associate judge of Ccok County, Judge Zagel called offering his congratulations and an invitation to lunch. When greeting him with "hello Judge " he replied with a smile on his face, "it's Jim, you're wearing the robe now." For as long as I live, I will never forget this kind gesture of welcome. I did everything I could to model my behavior after Judge Zagel's example.

May you rest in peace, Jim, and May your memory be a blessing.

My deepest condolences to the Zagel family and friends.

Thaddeus Machnik

Peggy and Family,

My deepest condolences on the passing of Judge Zagel. He will be remembered for years to come for his contributions and insights to the judicial system as well as his talents in the arts. Peggy, you were truly blessed to have shared almost a half a century with Jim. May you be comforted with the many wonderful memories of your time together.

Sincerely,

Sharon Andersen

Sharon Andersen

Judge Zagel was a brilliant trial judge, who refrained from putting his thumb on the scale and gave a fair trial to all those came before him. He was pragmatic, intelligent and innovative. Most important of all, he respectful and just in how he ran his courtroom. He was also curious, and never stopped learning. He will be sorely missed.


David Melton

A dedicated, brilliant public servant and pillar of integrity.

Mike Lawrence