William F. James Papers
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
History San Jose Research Library
2017
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, California 95112
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
http://www.historysanjose.org/
Title: William F. James Papers
Dates: 1856-1966
Collection Number: 1991-119
Creator/Collector:
James, William F.
Extent: .5 linear feet
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Small collection of papers and photographs from the estate of Judge William F. James, former Santa Clara County Superior Court
Judge. The papers contain his notable opinions, and materials related to the dedication of the William F. James Boys Ranch
in Morgan Hill, California.
Language of Material: English
The collection is open to the public for research by appointment with the Curator of Library & Archives.
Contact the Curator of Library & Archives regarding publication and reproduction.
William F. James Papers. History San Jose Research Library
The papers were donated to the San Jose Historical Museum in 1991 by Judge James' daughter.
Biography/Administrative History
William F. James was born on October 16, 1875, to a pioneer family in San Jose. He began practicing law in 1896, forming a
law firm with Louis Oneal, where he worked before and after his career as a judge. He was appointed to the Superior Court
in 1933 by Governor James Rolph Jr., presiding over the Juvenile Court, and retired in 1963. He passed away from a heart attack
at his home on the Stanford University campus on August 18, 1966.
Scope and Content of Collection
These papers and photographs are a very small selection focused on his notable opinions, historical real estate transactions,
and ephemera and photographs from the 1957 dedication of the William F. James Boys Ranch in Morgan Hill, California, part
of the Santa Clara County Probation Department. See attached inventory.
Judges
Juvenile detention homes
Juvenile courts
California. Superior Court (Santa Clara County)
William F. James Boys Ranch
Santa Clara County (Calif.)
San Jose (Calif.)
photographic prints
deeds
civil court records