James Krieger

Krieger, James Joseph age 73, passed away in the home he cherished and shared with his wife Rene and their daughter Anna, overlooking peaceful shores and western sunsets, on October 13, 2013. Survived by loving wife of 19 years, Rene; children, Julia Krieger, Anna Victoria Krieger, Jill (Ralph) Richardson, Jacki (Greg) Schrab, Joe (Heather) Krieger, Joshua (Tamara) Krieger and James Krieger; grandchildren, Max, Manny, Isabelle, William, Lily, JD, Chase, Jackson, Taylor, Adeline and Hadley; siblings, Char Steininger, Earl (Nadine) Krieger and John Krieger; also survived by other relatives and many friends. Preceded in death by parents, Carroll and Victoria Krieger, and sister Mary Jo. Jim was raised in Albert Lea, Minnesota and proudly wore his blue-collar roots to St. Thomas University in St. Paul after graduating from high school in1958. Upon college graduation in 1962, Jim stepped into his destiny, earning his law degree from the University of Minnesota. Upon his admission to the Bar in 1966, Jim began his life-long service to the poor, working for The Legal Aid Society, becoming the first Chief Public Defender in Juvenile Court for Hennepin County, post-In Re: Gault mandating a juvenile's right to an attorney. From 1970-1978, Jim was a trial lawyer for the Legal Rights Center, honing his gifts of advocacy, winning numerous jury acquittals, gaining trust and credibility in the minority community during a tumultuous time in our nation's history: the post-Civil Rights movement, when newly minted laws banning prejudice and violence against minorities frequently did not translate in the real world of institutionalized racism. In 1978 until his retirement in 2009, he worked as a Public Defender and trial team supervisor in the Hennepin County Public Defender's Office, securing scores of jury acquittals as well as litigating pivotal cases before the Minnesota Supreme Court. He was a Warrior for Justice who gave voice to the voiceless in the fight for equal justice. He brought the fight to the courtroom, giving humanity and honor to all who entered it. His legendary battles for equal justice were rewarded when, in 2005, he was bestowed The Jack Durfee Award for Distinguished Service as a Public Defender; in 2007 the Minnesota Lawyer Attorneys of the Year-Outstanding Service to the Profession Award; and in 2010 the MACDL Distinguished Service Award. In his heart he was simply a 'lawyer for the people'; a familiar figure in the halls of justice with his ever-present cup of coffee, cowboy boots, corduroy suit coat and infectious, joyful spirit. Jim brought his joy and spirit to his family as well; he was a devoted family man who had boundless energy and love for his children. From catching 'lunkers' to talking politics, driving to Arkansas to basketball camps, he enjoyed it all! He took particular pride in raising strong daughters/women; there was no higher form of flattery than to be called a "kick butt babe"! A familiar charge to his daughters was "go kick someone's ass even if they don't need it!" He was a lover of nature and knowledge; a voracious reader of newspapers who enjoyed current events with historic parallels as well as 'flyspecking' the used car ads while gulping down a mug of coffee on a Saturday. Jim was a loyal friend to many, garnering new friends and protecting the old; in particular, 'Mr. Mike'; his Brother for eternity. His love and devotion to his wife and best friend Rene knew no measure; they held hands together, their journey as one into forever. So go now, Krieg, and walk in the sunshine with the birds and the trees and the shelter of Nokomis! Yahoo!! Gone fishin'!! Memorials are welcomed in his memory to: The Legal Aid Society, The Legal Rights Center, and the University of Minnesota Law School. Mass of Resurrection 11:00 AM Saturday, October 19 at The Church of Our Lady of Peace, 5426 12th Ave S., Minneapolis. Visitation one hour prior to mass at church. Private Interment. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

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James Krieger

October 13, 2013

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