CJ "JIM" KRIESEL

1927 - 2022

CJ "JIM" KRIESEL CJ "Jim" Kriesel passed away peacefully at his home in Green Forest on November 12, 2022. Jim was born March 11, 1927, in Duluth, MN to Arthur and Almeda Rathbun Kriesel. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served with the 64th Engineer Topographical Battalion in Tokyo, Japan, producing military maps. Upon finishing his military career, he met and married the love of his life, Catherine "Katy" Kordones, on May 28, 1950, celebrating 72 years of marriage. After starting their family, they moved from California to Rudd, Arkansas where they farmed and raised their three children. Jim was an intelligent, hardworking man. While living in California he obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed flying as a hobby, and he co-owned a horse ranch with his brothers. He also enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and stamp collecting. Jim is survived by his wife, Katy Kriesel of the home; son, Randy Kriesel and his wife Cindy of Olathe, KS; son, Danny Kriesel and his wife Connie of Berryville, AR; and daughter, Judy Kriesel Icenogle of Green Forest. He is also survived by six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Don (Linda) Kriesel of Carr Lane, MO; three sisters-in-law, Shirley Rohr of Las Vegas, NV, Georgia Hall of Gardena, CA, and Thelma Kordones of Manhatten Beach, CA, as well as many nieces and nephews and beloved friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Almeda Kriesel, sister Beverly and brothers Art and Jack. The family will hold a private family memorial at a later date. Cremation services are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home in Green Forest. Online condolences can be made at smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.