James "Jim" A. Kreider

June 24, 1955 - Aug 1, 2023

The Missouri Democratic Party expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the late Jim Kreider, former Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives (2001-2003), who passed away Tuesday, August 1. 

Kreider was born in Nuremberg, Germany. He graduated from Nixa Public High School in 1973 and received a degree in agricultural business and economics from Missouri State University. “Speaker Jim Kreider will long be recognized as a great example of rural Democratic leadership. 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,” said Russ Carnahan, Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party. 

He was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives after redistricting in 1992, defeating longtime Republican legislator. He was the first Democrat to represent Christian County, Missouri, since 1904. “Speaker Kreider was a wonderful, kind leader who made southwest Missouri proud,” said Crystal Quade, Missouri House Democratic Minority Leader. “He fought for decades for so many important issues, but most notable was his passion for public education. I’m so grateful for his friendship and mentorship. His legacy and advice can not be understated and will never be forgotten.” 

“Jim was one of rural Missouri’s greatest champions,” said Joe Maxwell, former Missouri Lieutenant Governor. Maxwell presided over the Missouri Senate when Kreider was House speaker. “His love for his community and state was always a driving force in his life both professionally and personally. We will all miss his positive guidance and powerful optimism. My sincere condolences to his family and his community.” Former Governor Bob Holden remarked, "Jim was always mindful of the citizens he represented in Southwest Missouri." 

In 2021, after 18 years, Kreider stepped down as the executive director of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Public School Personnel, known as MRTA. The association was created to protect and enhance the pension benefits of former educators in Missouri. It tracks and weighs in on budget and legislative proposals in Jefferson City. The association grew significantly under Kreider’s leadership with more than 30,000 members. In the Missouri Legislature, Kreider helped author, and voted for, the Oustanding Schools Act of 1993. 

“Jim Kreider was a champion for everyday Missourians, and we are grateful for his life of public service,” said Steve Gaw, D-Moberly, former Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. “He was proud to be from Christian County, never failing to remind us it was the “fastest-growing county (at the time) in the State of Missouri.” 

Kreider will be sincerely missed, but his legacy will continue in the Missouri Democratic Party. “Jim honored and respected the “people’s House” of our State Legislature. I had the honor to serve with him and witnessed first-hand that public service was in his blood as he believed the role of ‘Representative’ was a true calling. He leaves a great example for a new generation of Missouri leaders. 

Paid for by the Missouri Democratic State Committee, Glenda Bainbridge, Treasurer. www.missouridemocrats.org. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

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