James "Jim" William Kreier was born on September 23, 1949 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to Robert and Irene (Gietzel) Kreier. He grew up on the family farm in nearby Columbus, Wisconsin and graduated from Columbus High School in 1967. Jim furthered his education at the Wisconsin School of Electronics (Madison) after graduating, he took his first job at Collins Radio Co. located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While there he worked on the solar deployment system for the first satellite station (Skylab). On July 11, 1970 Jim was united in marriage to Susan Rae Robinson. They relocated to Illinois in the greater Chicago area where he advanced his career as a M.E. with ECCI (Electronic Counters and Controls) and MRL (Medical Research Laboratory) where he designed the first portable defibrillator. In 1977, Jim with his family relocated to Amery, Wisconsin where they built their home. He took a position at Franklin Signal in Clear Lake, Wisconsin for a period of time before starting ITI (Interactive Technologies Inc.) in the Twin Cities. Through all of his work he was the holder of 9 individual patents and was part of team development of several more.
All of his life, Jim was an avid outdoor enthusiast and conservationist. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and tending to the apple orchard he established. In the past he was a member of Knights of Columbus, the French Lakes Archery Club and Amery Trap Club. Jim cherished spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed grilling and BBQ'ing for family and friends, and hiding Easter eggs for his grandchildren. Those who had the opportunity to meet Jim were always greeted with a smile. After a courageous battle with cancer Jim was peacefully welcomed into God's arms on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at the age of 67.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Susan; son Jason Kreier and his wife Pamela; daughter Rae Ann Ailts and her husband Chris; four grandchildren: Natalie and Derek Kreier, and Nevaeh and Adrianna Ailts. He also leaves behind other relatives and friends.


Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. There will be visitation at the church for the hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Bridget's Cemetery in Stanton Township.