[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 146 (Monday, September 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JAMES M. BATZER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN R. MOOLENAAR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2025

  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life of 
Judge James M. Batzer, who passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age 
of 81.
  James was born on December 14, 1943, in Manistee, Michigan, where he 
was raised and graduated from Manistee High School in 1961. He then 
attended Albion College and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts from 
the University of Michigan in 1968.
  After college, he received his master's degree in criminal justice 
from Michigan State University, and his Juris Doctorate in 1978 from 
Wayne State University Law School, where he received awards for his 
writing and scholastic achievement. James went on to serve as the 
Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan's Division of 
Mental Health where he represented the state in various fields of law.
  In November of 1984, he was elected to serve the residents of 
Manistee and Benzie counties as Circuit Judge for the 19th Judicial 
Circuit. Judge Batzer served his community in this position for 30 
years until his retirement in January 2015. Judge Batzer dedicated his 
life to service and left a legacy on the bench of keeping his community 
safe and running a fair and fact-based courtroom.
  On behalf of Michigan's 2nd Congressional District, I am honored to 
recognize Judge James M. Batzer for his lifelong commitment to the 
residents of Manistee and Benzie counties, and I extend my deepest 
condolences to his family.

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