YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
A former speaker of the state House of Representatives from southwest Missouri has died.
Jim Kreider, who died Aug. 1, was 68. He had cancer, according to his obituary posted to AdamsFuneralHome.com.
Kreider, who was born in Nuremberg, Germany, went on to work as a Democratic House member representing Nixa, according to a news release from the Missouri Democratic Party. He served as House speaker 2001-03, and when Kreider was elected in the early 1990s, he was the first Democrat to represent Christian County since 1904.
"Speaker Jim Kreider will long be recognized as a great example of rural Democratic leadership," said Russ Carnahan, chair of the Missouri Democratic Party, in the release. "He provided a voice for rural Missouri and a hand of partnership to urban areas on many common-ground issues for the betterment of all Missourians."
After his time in the House, Kreider served as executive director of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Public School Personnel. He led that organization for 18 years until exiting in 2021.
Kreider graduated from Nixa Public High School and received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and economics from Missouri State University, according to the release.
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.
Missouri would be a better place if we had more legislators like Jim Kreider. He was an effective leader, dedicated to helping citizens of all stripes. It's easy to see why Jim, a Democrat, was elected from a heavily Republican area.