Michael Kimerer earned a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Chico. Kimerer pursued law at the University of California, Davis, graduating in 1969.

He will join his father and mother, Frank and Margaret Kimerer, in eternal rest, along with three siblings. Michael Kimerer is survived by his daughter and her husband, his son and his wife. Michael was a proud grandfather to 4 grand children, and 1 great-grandson.

Michael dedicated his entire life to the legal profession, championing fairness and fighting for everyone's right to justice. Over his 55-year career, he gained recognition as one of the preeminent criminal defense lawyers in the southwestern United States. 

Kimerer's love for the law was unwavering, stemming from his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer at eight. He admired Clarence Darrow and possessed a compassionate nature, finding it challenging to say "no" to those in need. The late Vice Chief Justice of the State Bar of Arizona, James Moeller, once praised him, saying, "Kimerer's greatest quality is that he loves underdogs. He's a total people person whose heart is as big as a barn."

His lifetime achievements and awards testify to his commitment and passion for justice. He served as Chairman of the ABA Criminal Justice Section Committee on Specialization in Criminal Law, co-founded Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and was its first President from 1986 to 1988. He received the John J. Flynn Memorial Award for distinguished service to the criminal defense bar in 1993, and in 2006, he was honored with its vanguard award for championing the cause of criminal justice. Mr. Kimerer was a Fellow and Past President of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, a national organization comprising the country's leading criminal defense lawyers. He served on various State Bar and Supreme Court Committees, including the Supreme Court Committee to Review the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Supreme Court Committee on Drug Testing, and the Supreme Court Committee on Criminal Rules for Post-Conviction Relief. He chaired the State Bar Committee for indigent representation in capital cases and served on the Arizona Attorney General's Capital Case Commission. Additionally, he was a member of the Arizona State Bar Board of Governors and served as State Bar President from 1995-1996. Kimerer's contributions extended beyond the legal realm; he was a Judge Pro Tem for the Maricopa County Superior Court and the Arizona Court of Appeals.

He served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Arizona State University, sharing his expertise at numerous seminars on criminal justice issues. 

A private funeral service for Michael Kimerer will be held for family members only. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arizona Bar Foundation at https://www.azbf.org