The automotive world lost a legend and one of the real good guys with the sudden passing of John Kraman. If you ever watched a Mecum Auction presentation on TV, it was John you heard. He also served at the Consignment Director at Mecum and is credited as one of the reasons for Mecum’s success.
In the sad announcement, Mecum said:
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of one of Mecum's cornerstones, John Kraman.
John played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Mecum Auctions, serving as a consignment director and becoming the unmistakable voice of Mecum since our television debut in 2008. His dedication to positioning our brand in the best possible light was more than a career—it was his life’s mission.
John set the standard for excellence, demanding accuracy, precision, and the highest quality in everything we did. He wasn’t just part of Mecum Auctions; he was Mecum Auctions, living and breathing its essence every day.
A mentor, a legend, a Mecum cornerstone, our family.
Thank you, John.
Photo: Mecum Auctions/Facebook. John was on the Car Pro Show with me about five months ago, and we discussed the upcoming Mecum Dallas auction. He was as engaging and interesting as everyone told me he was. It was a pleasure to have him with us.
Raised in auto-obsessed Los Angeles during the 1960s and ‘70s, Kraman spent his youth hanging around the dealerships where his dad sold cars. This experience bred a lifelong interest in both the cars themselves and the business of selling them.
Before joining the Mecum team in 2006, Kraman enjoyed a long and successful career first as a sales manager for retail auto sales, and later shifting gears to work in aircraft sales. Kraman was also a licensed Federal Aviation Administration pilot and mechanic.
From 2006-2017, Kraman served as the co-director of consignments for Mecum Auctions alongside Frank Mecum. Beginning in 2008, Kraman was the commentator of Mecum Auctions broadcast on NBC Sports Network.
As a man with a real passion for classic and collector cars, Kraman held his personal collection- including a 1964 Pontiac GTO, a 2014 Mustang GT and a 2010 Corvette C6 - near and dear. Outside of his work with Mecum and his motor vehicle hobbies, Kraman enjoyed spending time with his wife Christine, four grown children and five grandchildren. He also played guitar and sang in a classic rock trio called “Redline 7000.”
John leaves behind his loving wife Christine Kraman and he is also survived by his 3 children, Michael Kraman , Nicole Cabrera, Valerie (Eric) Brigham. His sisters Gloria Beech, Lori Weisman and Toni Doran. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Chelsea , Alex, Madeline, Sarah, and David Kraman as well as his youngest granddaughter Ava Brigham.
The Car Pro Show sends its condolences to his family as well as to Mecum Auctions.
Photo courtesy: Mecum Auctions,. Inc.
