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Paul C. Jess

Local attorney, Paul C. Jess, died April 8, 2011, in Sonoma at age 74 after a long battle with leukemia.

Throughout his legal career, Paul worked diligently for his clients and was a fierce advocate for justice. A graduate of the University of California, he went on to graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall, Summa Cum Laude in 1963, and was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1964.

A legal scholar, Paul conducted cases throughout the California and Federal court system. Among his more challenging cases were an action against Francis Ford Coppola and a protracted 14-year anti-trust/malpractice case against former San Francisco Mayor, Joseph L. Alioto, and his sons, John I. Alioto and Joseph M. Alioto.

At various times, Paul was associated with attorneys Newton Dal Poggetto, Gerald Hill and Leonard Tillem in the practice of law. He was also active in community affairs in Sonoma where he was elected to the Sonoma City Council for a four-year term and served as vice mayor in 1966.

Paul was very active in Democratic Party politics and helped form the Sonoma Land Trust wherein he served many years as a director. He also helped form the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation serving as president among other offices, and he was president of Sonoma County Tomorrow.

He is survived by his long-time companion, Alice Anne Michel; his very dear friend, Constance Wilson; and his many colleagues and friends. An only child, he was preceded in death by his father, Adam A. Jess, and his mother, Rubye H. Jess. His booming laugh and great intellect will be sorely missed.

A gathering of Paul's friends and colleagues will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2011, between 5 and 7:30 p.m. on the patio of the Swiss Hotel, 18 W. Spain St., Sonoma, CA 95476. Memorial donations in his name may be made to Pets Lifeline, P.O. Box 341, Sonoma, CA 95476.

Inquiries can be made to Duggan's Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476 at 996-3655 or at www.duggansmissionchapel.com.