7/2/2015
James K. Kreider, 80, of Ronks, passed away surrounded by his loved ones, on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at LGH. Jim was born in Weavertown to the late J. Walter and Anna M. (Herr) Kreider. A lifelong resident of Lancaster County, he attended Weavertown Elementary School and graduated from East Lampeter High School. After graduation, Jim travelled to the west coast with a classmate before returning home to join the service. He proudly served our country in Korea and was in the U.S. Marine Corps for 4 years.
In 1957, he married his sweetheart, H. Laverne (Good) “Candy" Kreider, and began his legacy as a great husband, awesome father, grandfather and friend to everyone he met. Jim was a very involved and caring Dad, who coached each of his children's sport activities while they played. He was also an extremely talented handyman, and spent many evenings “finishing" rooms in their Ronks home while listening to Richie Ashburn and the Phillies on the radio. After a career as a mail carrier with the Lancaster Post Office, Jim spent a few years as “touch-up" man for Kreider & Flick Painting and Paperhanging before retiring.
In addition to his family, his next biggest treasure was his property in Tioga County. An avid hunter, it was there that he taught his children to love and respect the outdoors. Known as “Captain Jim" at hunting camp, he always liked the many stories that hunting seasons brought, and the special times he spent with his extended family. He also enjoyed the celebratory cigar that came after a successful day afield.
Besides his wife, Jim is survived and very much missed by his three sons, Tony Kreider, husband of Joyce, Elizabethtown, Brett Kreider, husband of Kim, Ephrata, Troy Kreider, husband of Nancy, Millersville; his only daughter, Melody, wife of Matt Hunter, Wichita, KS and nine grandchildren. Also surviving are his four sisters, Dot, wife of Merv Mellinger, Lititz, Joyce Koser, Blaine, PA, Shirley Kreider, wife of Barry Kreider, Akron and Pat McElroy, Mountville.
In respecting Jim's wishes, a private interment of ashes and service will be held at the convenience of the family at his favorite hunting spot on his Tioga County property.