Honorable James R. Havercamp

The Honorable James R. Havercamp, former chief judge of the Seventh Judicial District of Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. We thank the staff for their dedication and compassion during his brief stay. 

A time to gather and celebrate Judge Havercamp’s life will be held from 12 until 2 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2024 at the Outing Club, 2109 N. Brady Street, Davenport. Private family burial will take place at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island with military honors. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

James was born on March 17, 1932, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of George Havercamp and Dorothy (Stamp) Havercamp. He graduated from Central High School in Davenport, Iowa, and attended St. Ambrose College for a year. He then attended the University of Iowa for his undergraduate degree and earned his law degree in 1958. James honorably served in the Navy, stationed in Rhode Island for two years from 1954 - 1955 during the Korean Conflict. James married his high school sweetheart Betty Criger on April 5, 1953 and they remained happily married for 60 years. 

James’s law career began in 1958 when he joined his father in the practice of law from 1958 - 1967. In 1967 he was appointed District Court Judge of the Seventh Judicial District Court of Iowa, at that time being one of the youngest appointed judges in the state. He was later appointed Chief Judge and served in this position from 1981 until retirement in 1997 at which time he became a Senior Judge. A few highlights of his career include being a member of the Iowa Judicial Council, Chair of Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Costs of Court Appointed Counsel and Indigent Defense Transition, and member of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Indigent Defense. In 1991 he received the Award of Merit for being a leader in the efficient handling of court cases; he was an innovator in the one-trial, one-day automated jury system. He was a pioneer in introducing settlement conferences to resolve lawsuits amicably, and for providing opportunities for OWI offenders to receive counseling in addition to a jail term. He chaired the Scott County Equality in the Courts Task Force and the Domestic Abuse B.E.P. Coalition. 

James was an active member of the Davenport Rotary Club for many years. He was able to travel the world with Betty and was an avid golfer. He was golfing up until June of this year and during the last few years joked that if he could shoot his age, he would be happy. In his younger years he enjoyed skiing with his family and good friends. He was known as a loyal Hawkeye fan, and devoted family man who cherished time with his lifelong friends. 

James is survived by his daughter, Lynn Baer (Havercamp) and spouse, John Baer, grandchildren: Michael and Megan, son, Steven Havercamp and spouse, Nanokporn Havercamp, and Noosarin Wantaisong (Ann); along with his brother, Alan Havercamp and spouse, Lynnell Havercamp; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Betty, James was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Helen Wacker. 

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association located at 13400 Bishop Lane, Suite 120, Brookfield, WI 53005.