J. Bob Traxler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids J. Bob Traxler
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 8th district
In office April 23, 1974 – January 3, 1993
Preceded by	James Harvey
Succeeded by	James A. Barcia
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
In office January 1, 1963 – 1974
Preceded by	Lester O. Begick
Succeeded by	Colleen House
Constituency	Bay County district (1963–1964) 101st district (1965–1974)
Personal details
Born	Jerome Bob Traxler (1931-07-21)July 21, 1931 Kawkawlin, Michigan
Died	October 30, 2019(2019-10-30) (aged 88) Bay City, Michigan, U.S.
Nationality	American
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	Michigan State University
Occupation	Lawyer

Jerome Bob Traxler (July 21, 1931 – October 30, 2019), often known as J. Bob Traxler or Bob Traxler, was an American lawyer and politician from Michigan. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served for many years in the United States House of Representatives, helping to make laws for the entire country. He also worked in the Michigan House of Representatives for his home state.

Early Life and Education

Bob Traxler was born in Kawkawlin, Michigan. He went to public schools in Bay City, including T.L. Handy High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State College in 1953. Later, he received a law degree from Detroit College of Law in 1959. He became a lawyer in Bay City in 1960.

Military Service

Before becoming a lawyer, Traxler served in the United States Army. He was in the army from 1953 to 1955. After his military service, he worked as an assistant prosecutor for Bay County from 1960 to 1962.

Political Career in Michigan

Traxler began his political career in the Michigan House of Representatives. He was a member of this state legislature from 1962 to 1974. During his time there, he held an important leadership role. From 1965 to 1966, he was the majority floor leader in the Michigan House. This meant he helped guide the legislative process for his party.

After leaving Congress, Traxler continued to serve the public in other ways. He was a member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees from 1993 to 2000. He also served on the Mackinac Island State Park Commission from 1992 to 2005.

Serving in Congress

In 1974, a special election was held for Michigan's 8th congressional district. The previous representative, James Harvey, had resigned. Traxler, a Democrat, ran for the open seat. He won the election on April 16, 1974.

He officially started his term on April 23, 1974, in the 93rd United States Congress. The United States Congress is where federal laws are made for the whole country. Traxler was re-elected nine more times, serving a total of ten terms. He worked in Congress until he retired on January 3, 1993.

Congressional Districts

After the 1990 national census, the areas that representatives served were redrawn. This process is called redistricting. Most of the area Traxler represented became part of the new 5th district. James A. Barcia was elected to represent this new district in the 103rd United States Congress.

Personal Life

Bob Traxler lived in Saginaw, Michigan. He had a daughter named Sarah with Mary Richards. Later, he married Jean B. Hose on January 1, 2006. Bob Traxler passed away on October 30, 2019.