John Kraman, Beloved Mecum Auctions Commentator, Dies at 68

ROCKFORD, Ill. — John Kraman, a renowned classic car expert and beloved on-air commentator for Mecum Auctions, passed away on January 12, 2025, at his home after a brief illness. He was 68.

Known affectionately as “The Professor,” Kraman was a walking encyclopedia of classic cars, motorcycles, and aviation. His career spanned auto mechanics, car sales, aircraft sales, and ultimately, his iconic role at Mecum Auctions, where he became a household name among car enthusiasts.

Kraman joined Mecum Auctions in 2006 as a consignment director and quickly rose to prominence as an on-air analyst and spokesman. His deep knowledge of 1960s and ’70s American muscle cars, combined with his infectious enthusiasm, made him a fan favorite. “John set the standard for excellence, demanding accuracy, precision, and the highest quality in everything we did,” Mecum Auctions said in a statement. “He wasn’t just part of Mecum Auctions, he was Mecum Auctions.”

Born in Los Angeles, Kraman developed a passion for cars at an early age, often accompanying his father, a car salesman, to work. By childhood, he could identify the year, make, and model of every car on the road—a skill he retained throughout his life. His career began in auto repair before transitioning to car sales, where he specialized in Nissans and Mazdas. Later, he became a pilot and sold aircraft, but his love for classic cars drew him to Mecum.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kraman was a self-taught guitarist and frontman for several classic rock bands, including The Fury, Angles of Attack, and Redline 7000. His passion for music and vintage guitars led to charitable collaborations, such as a 2024 auction of a guitar donated by musician Joe Bonamassa, which raised $12,000 for Curing Kids Cancer.

Kraman is survived by his wife, Christine Kraman; three children, Michael Kraman, Nicole Cabrera, and Valerie Brigham; three sisters, Gloria Beech, Lori Weisman, and Toni Doran; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman Kraman and Virginia “Jinks” Doran, his sister Mary Pearson, and his son Shaun Kraman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 24, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Rockford, Illinois. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans, including NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham, who called Kraman “a fantastic person with unbelievable knowledge of cars.”

Kraman’s legacy as a car enthusiast, musician, and beloved figure in the automotive world will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the industry he loved.