U.S. District Judge James Zagel, a highly respected jurist who presided over notable cases such as the corruption trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, has passed away at the age of 82 after battling a long illness.
Throughout his nearly 30-year career on the bench, Judge Zagel gained a reputation for his wisdom, dry wit, and dedication to justice. He was admired and respected by his colleagues and the legal community for his fair and insightful rulings.
Beyond his work in the courtroom, Judge Zagel was a multifaceted individual with a range of interests. He showcased his acting skills in the 1989 film “Music Box” and explored his talent as a writer by publishing the crime novel “Money to Burn” in 2002, featuring a federal judge involved in a daring heist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Born in Chicago in 1941, Judge Zagel developed a passion for tennis and pursued higher education at the University of Chicago, earning a master’s degree in philosophy in 1962. Following his graduation from Harvard Law School in 1965, he began his legal career as an assistant Cook County state’s attorney.
During his time as a federal judge, Judge Zagel presided over numerous high-profile cases that made headlines. Notably, in 2011, he handed down a 14-year prison sentence to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich for attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat. He expressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability and the restoration of integrity in Illinois.
Judge Zagel also presided over the Operation Family Secrets trial, which led to the convictions of prominent Chicago mobsters Joseph “Joey the Clown” Lombardo and Frank Calabrese Sr. Additionally, he oversaw the trials of individuals such as Cook County Undersheriff James Dvorak and Noah Robinson, the half-brother of Rev. Jesse Jackson.
In his earlier years, Judge Zagel was part of the prosecution team in the landmark Richard Speck case, where Speck was accused of murdering eight student nurses in Chicago. This case highlighted Zagel’s involvement in forensic science and psychology, solidifying his expertise in these areas.
Despite his accomplished career as a judge, Judge Zagel made a notable detour by venturing into crime fiction. His novel “Money to Burn” offered readers a glimpse into the criminal mind from the perspective of a federal judge orchestrating a daring bank robbery. Through his writing, Zagel explored the intricate dynamics of criminal behavior while drawing from his extensive legal experience.
In addition to his judicial career, Judge Zagel held significant positions in the public sector. He served in Gov. James Thompson’s administration, first as director of the Illinois Department of Revenue in 1979 and later as director of the Illinois State Police. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in the investigation of the infamous unsolved Tylenol murders.
Judge Zagel’s impact extended beyond his official roles, leaving a lasting legacy in the legal community. His leadership at the Illinois State Police fostered an environment of ethical enforcement and professional excellence. Brendan Kelly, the current director of the Illinois State Police, acknowledged Judge Zagel’s enduring influence, emphasizing the high standards he set for the agency.
With his passing, Judge James Zagel leaves behind a remarkable legacy marked by his contributions to the legal field, his dedication to justice, and his artistic pursuits. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Margaret Maxwell Zagel, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. The legal community and all who knew him will remember Judge Zagel as an exceptional jurist and an influential figure in the pursuit of justice.