James Joseph Krebaum

James (Jay) Joseph Krebaum, age 54, died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on January 13 2025, at his home. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, grew up in River Forest, Illinois, and was currently residing in Sparks, Nevada.
Born March 16, 1970. Jay graduated from Oak Park River Forest High school in 1988. He obtained his associate degree from Triton College in River Grove, Illinois. He also attended Drake University and University of Iowa where he studied psychology.

Jay held various hospitality positions in the western suburbs and studied cooking classes at the Chicago culinary institute. He then worked for Starwood Corporation (Sheraton Hotels) in downtown Chicago, managing personnel for seven restaurants and baristas. He then went on to work for CompuSystems in Lisle as a marketing manager for exhibitor events.

In 2008, he switched careers and attended Universal Technical Institute (UTI) out of Lisle Illinois, from which he graduated in 2010. He ranked second highest in his graduating class as a Diesel/Industrial Mechanical Technician earning many other accreditations. Jay was hired by Crown Equipment after graduation and was highly regarded by his coworkers. In 2019, Jay moved to Sparks, Nevada, to be closer to his family.

Jay from a very young age, was quite athletic: baseball, Cub scouts, water skiing, snow skiing, boating, camping, motocross and motorcycling, golfing, ice hockey, speed boating, and he skydived. There were many travels with his family throughout the United States, including Alaska, and the Bahamas as highlights, and white water rafting down the Colorado River to Moab, Utah. Jay loved his thrills and was quite comedic and had an infectious laugh. He loved his family and friends.
Jay had overcome a tremendous health struggle and was so excited to be moving to Wisconsin to be closer to his daughters, turning the page, and looking forward to a new life, new experience, and new journey. He was loved and he will be greatly missed.

Jay leaves his parents, Shirlee Lee Krebaum and James Lowe Krebaum of Sacramento, California, formerly of Morris, Illinois and River Forest, Illinois. Former spouse Marietta Cynthia (Cindy) Hiestand, was his high school sweetheart of 10 years, and to whom he was married for 24 years in Naperville, Illinois. He was a loving father of his twin daughters, Ashley Katherine and Allison Elizabeth Krebaum of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Brother to Timothy Kendall Krebaum and brother-in-law to Tim’s wife, Michelle, and uncle to niece, Elouise Joanna Krebaum, of Sacramento, California.

Preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Cordelia Hall of Girard, Illinois.

Former son in law to Reverend Doctor Edgar L. Hiestand Jr. and Nancy Innis Hiestand of Oak Park, Illinois. Uncle to Joshua and Diana Schoenfield, and Michael Schoenfield (Wonderlin); Lauren Hilliard, Kaitlin Hiestand, Alex and Helen Casendino. Great uncle to Hayden Metzgar and Andrew Hilliard. Former brother-in-law to Sarah Hiestand and Mark Schoenfield; John Hiestand and Claudia Hiestand; Amy Hiestand and Mike Casendino.

Please join Jay’s family in celebrating his life. Services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Airsman & Calvert Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Virden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of services on Saturday at the Funeral Home.

Airsman & Calvert Funeral Homes, Virden is honored to be caring for Jay's family.