SAN FRANCISCO—William H. ‘Bill’ Neukom grew up in San Mateo, where he rooted for the San Francisco Giants, with the then San Francisco Seals owner, Charlie Graham as a neighbor.
He was the leading lawyer for Microsoft billionaire founder Bill Gates for at least twenty-five years. His Microsoft stock was worth $107 million when he left the company in 2001. He was a partner for the Seattle office law firm Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis. He was a former president of the American Bar Association, which he served from 2007-2008. He also founded World Justice Project (WJP), an independent, multidisciplinary organization that strengthens the rule of the law worldwide.
He had competed in more than a half dozen marathons since he was an avid runner.
His trademark accessory was his colorful bowties.
He joined the San Francisco Giants ownership group in 1995. He became a general partner in 2003. He was introduced in October 2008 as a managing general partner. He retired from his role after the 2011 baseball season and after the Giants won their first World Series in 2010.
He developed a catchphrase during his Giants tenure ‘The Giants Way of playing baseball.’
During his tenure at San Francisco Giants, he had hip replacement surgery. But that did not stop him. When he retired, he remained chairman emeritus.
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Giants’ CEO broke the news that Neukom has passed away.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Beard Barnes and their children: Josselyn Neukom, Samantha Neukom Nyhan, Gillian Neukom Toledo, John McMakin ‘Jay’ Neukom from his first marriage and a stepchild from his marriage to Sally Barnes.
