Zilthia Mae Jimison

Z. Mae Jimison was a judge in Indianapolis for over 25 years. Photo courtesy Encyclopedia of Indianapolis.

(29 Jun 1943 – 5 Mar 2008)

This Indianapolis native had a respected and admired legal career spanning over 25 years. After graduating from Indiana State University and Ohio State University, she started work as a trial attorney. From there, she was appointed county judge and finally, the first African American to serve as a judge on the Marion County Superior Court.

In this position, Jimison created the Marion County Drug Treatment Court, which implemented a diversion program for non-violent drug offenders who would seek treatment for their addiction.

In 1991, Jimison was elected to the Indianapolis City-County Council, and then was the first African American to win the Democratic primary for the mayoral position.

Z. Mae Jimison’s run for mayor of Indianapolis in 1991. Photo courtesy of Encyclopedia of Indianapolis.
Z. Mae Jimison is buried in Section 223, Lot 174. Photo courtesy Findagrave.com.