James Andreas "Jim" Kreider
James Andreas "Jim" Kreider
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James Kreider Obituary
James (Jim) Andreas Kreider was born in Nuremberg, Germany on June 24, 1955 to James D. and Kunigunda Kreider. He passed away peacefully on August 1, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.
In 1976, Jim married Debbie (Neil) Kreider and had two daughters, Lacey Lukowski (Jason) and Neeley Kreider (Dillon). His greatest pride and joy were his four grandsons, Greyson, Hudson, Landon and Zayne. Jim continuously taught his grandsons (the boys of summer) to work hard and make common sense decisions . and impressed upon them the importance of getting involved to make a difference in their community.
Throughout Jim’s life, he made remarkable contributions and had an unwavering commitment to his community and to public education. At age 15, when his father passed away, Jim stepped up to keep the family farm that is still thriving today. While running the family farm, Jim worked his way through college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. In 1993, Jim was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives where his leadership skills were soon recognized and he was elected Speaker Pro Tem in 1997 and became Speaker of the House in 2001. After serving in the House, Jim continued his support of public education and became Executive Director of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association in 2003 and retired in 2021. Jim also had a passion for history and preserving historical structures and buildings which led him to be involved in the Historic City of Jefferson Society. After retirement, Jim decided to return to public service as the Southern Missouri Director of Renew Missouri.
Jim’s leadership skills were recognized through a plethora of awards including: Christian County Farm Family, Family Farm Leadership Award, NEA Education Award, Public School Association Education Award, Christian County Retired Teachers Legislator of the Decade, Farm Bureau Legislator of the Year, MSBA Friend of Education Award, and was inducted into the Nixa Academic Hall of Fame.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Jon Hagler officiating. Burial will follow in Payne Cemetery, Nixa. Visitation will be from noon until 2:00 p.m. immediately before the funeral in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Nixa High School FFA. Checks may be written to Nixa Public Schools, with FFA in the memo or give online here, with FFA in the notes section.
https://schoolpay.com/pay/for/Donation-to-Nixa-Public-Schools-/Sc4ckPiTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
109 North Truman Boulevard, Nixa, MO 65714
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4 Entries
Maggie Ali
August 25, 2023
My deepest condolences to his family. He was such a sweet, kind, caring man. Always smiling every time I saw him. I´m very thankful I had a chance to meet such a kind soul. He was so proud of his grandkids as he called them his little buddies. Kings Discount won´t be the same not seeing you or talking with you anymore. Fly high and at ease my friend. The gas station lady.
Mike and Bobbi Rauch
August 5, 2023
Prayers for the family. Jim was someone that always made you feel good about yourself but also to work for the good of all around you. Appreciate his dedication to the farm community of Missouri and education. My mother, Helen Mathews, was a staunch supporter of Jim. A person that will be missed.
Vicki Stanton
August 4, 2023
Don and I first met Jim and the Kreider family when Jim was considering running for office for the first time. We were proud to have played a small role in Jim's political success. However, it was Jim's work-ethic, personality, family and friends who truly pulled him over the finish line.
There will be many who will share memories of Jim's impact on local and state entities, but I would like to share a little-known story about Jim's impact on international politics.
I was a sponsor for an International Student MSU student while teaching at MSU. This same student enrolled in several of Don's classes. This student was amazed at Don's lectures about the political system in the United States as it was so different from his home country's system. He was particularly impressed with the idea that one person could change a system.
Although of legal age, this student could not purchase beer because he didn't have a Missouri ID. He was talking to Don about this one day and Don said, "I know who you need to talk to." Don put him in touch with Jim, who happened to be Speaker of the House at this time. Jim and the student hit it off instantly. Long story short -- with Jim's help, this student was able to get Missouri law changed re: what was a legal form of identification for international students. I don't know if Jim ever fully recognized what an impact that experience had on that student. That student went back to his home country with a story about how in US one person truly can make difference.
The student's home country was Germany and his name was Andreas. There may have been a bit of unfair advantage given Jim's background and middle name. Andreas, the student, kept in contact with us for years and never failed to ask about Speaker Kreider.
Jim was a very kind man who never met a stranger. He was incredibly proud of family and loved each and every one of them fiercely. I am sure that Jim and Don are exchanging ideas and observations from their eternal vantage point. We are all better for having had Jim in our lives.
VICKI STANTON
Hillari Wennerstrom
August 3, 2023
Jim was an amazing mentor who quickly became a good friend. I will miss sharing a cocktail while discussing the political climate and upcoming elections with you but more importantly I will simply miss hearing the many life lessons you shared with me, Mr. Speaker!
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