James L. "Jim" Kreger

James L. Kreger, 78, of Liberty, beloved Husband, Father, Father-In Law, Pop-Pop, Brother and Friend passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024 at UPMC Williamsport, with his family by his side. 

Born March 10, 1946 in Blossburg, he was the son of the late Harold A. and Lillie I. (Cropp) Kreger. 

Jim attended Liberty High School and graduated with the class of 1964. His thirst for knowledge and love for his country led him to join the United States Air Force, where he served his nation with pride. After his military service, Jim pursued higher education, obtaining his Bachelor’s degree from Mansfield University in 1974. 

On December 17th, 1967, Jim married the love of his life, Faye L. (Mitstifer) Kreger. They shared 56 memorable years together, traveling a lot in their retirement. Their union was blessed with two children: a son, Bryan  Kreger (Karen) of Bellefonte, and a daughter, Bethany Ellis (Pete) of Falls Church, VA. Jim’s role as a husband and father was one he cherished deeply and he found his greatest joy in the laughter and achievements of his four grandsons, Tyler and Nicholas Kreger, Demetri and Zachary Ellis. 

Jim’s professional life featured a 22 year tenure at Liberty Elementary School, where he taught math, social studies, and English and also entertained his teacher friends with his antics. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom as he coached various sports teams, influencing countless young lives with his wisdom and kindness. One of his proudest moments coaching was leading his son Bryan and team to victory in the Northern Tier basketball league championship in 1991. 

A man of faith, Jim was a devoted member of Salem Lutheran Church. His belief in community service was evident in his involvement with Kiwanis and the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR). Jim shared his love of the great outdoors with family and friends at the Sunny Acres Hunting Club and his competitive spirit found an outlet in golfing. Fishing, hunting, playing cards, morning breakfasts “out town” and trips to Myrtle Beach were more than hobbies; they were activities that allowed him to create lasting memories with his family, local friends and snowbird friends. 

Jim was a fantastic cook and greatly enjoyed making food for his family and friends including his homemade lasagna, vegetable beef soup and popcorn balls. His sweet, tenor voice and his humming and whistling would fill the kitchen with joy. He also enjoyed a good joke. 

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is also survived by siblings; Beatrice Wilson (Ross, deceased), Gary Kreger (Diane), Larry Kreger, deceased (Cindy), Maynard Kreger (Sharyn). Linda Gilman, and Charlotte Stevens (James) along with many nieces, nephews and extended family including the Mitstifer “outlaws”. 

A memorial service to honor the life of Jim will be held on Wednesday, June 12th at 11am at Salem Lutheran Church, 3536 Nauvoo Road, Liberty, PA 16930 with Pastor Tom Harmic officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Tioga County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 9:30am until the time of service at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to your choice of the following: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org, or Liberty Food Bank, c/o Lynn + Kathy Broughton, 55 Pine Lane, Liberty PA 16930 or buy a Veteran a meal.