James Andreas "Jim" Kreider

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.