Early Life and Education of Jim Cramer: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jim Cramer. From birth to education, explore key events.

Jim Cramer is an American television personality, author, entertainer, and former hedge fund manager, best known as the host of CNBC's "Mad Money." After graduating from Harvard, he worked at Goldman Sachs and later founded his own hedge fund, Cramer Berkowitz. He also co-founded TheStreet.com. Cramer's career transitioned into media, where he gained prominence for his energetic and often controversial commentary on the stock market and investment strategies. He has written several books providing investment advice.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1922: N. Ken Cramer Born

In 1922, N. Ken Cramer, Jim Cramer's father, was born.

1928: Louise A. Cramer Born

In 1928, Louise A. Cramer, Jim Cramer's mother, was born.

February 10, 1955: James Cramer Born

On February 10, 1955, James Joseph Cramer, an American television personality, author, entertainer, and former hedge fund manager, was born.

1955: Birth in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania

In 1955, Jim Cramer was born in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia.

1971: Sold Coca-Cola and Ice Cream at Veterans Stadium

In 1971, Jim Cramer started selling Coca-Cola and then ice cream at Veterans Stadium during Philadelphia Phillies games as one of his first jobs.

1973: Graduated from Springfield Township High School

In 1973, Jim Cramer graduated from Springfield Township High School in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where he also competed for the track team.

1977: Graduated from Harvard College

In 1977, Jim Cramer graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts in government and was also the president and editor-in-chief of The Harvard Crimson. He was also a National Merit Scholar.

1984: Received Juris Doctor Degree

In 1984, Jim Cramer received a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. During this time, he began investing in the stock market, profited from stock picks he left on his answering machine, and worked as a research assistant for Alan Dershowitz.

1985: Death of Louise A. Cramer

In 1985, Cramer's mother, Louise A. Cramer, who was an artist, passed away.

1988: Cramer marries Karen Backfisch

In 1988, Jim Cramer married Karen Backfisch, a former stock trader.

2009: Cramer and Karen Backfisch divorce

In 2009, Jim Cramer and Karen Backfisch divorced.

2013: Cramer discusses mental health issues

In 2013, Jim Cramer discussed dealing with mental health issues related to anger and workplace behavior, attributing the problems to his childhood experiences with his father.