James Lowe Krebaum

James Lowe Krebaum, 90, of Sacramento, California, formerly of Morris & River Forest Illinois passed away peacefully August 28, 2025 at the age of 90.

Born January 22, 1935, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Cecil and Gladys (Garretson) Krebaum.

He was athletic and strong. He participated in track and field and threw the shotput and discus in high school. He also played football in both grade school and high school in Girard, Illinois.

He attended Northwestern University, earning degrees in accounting and business. As Vice President of his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, he obtained his CPA and then worked for Arthur Anderson in Brazil, specializing in taxes.

In 1964, he married Shirlee Lee Hall, his childhood sweetheart. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Jim worked for Velsicol & Arvey Paper Inc. during his career, starting as Chief Financial Officer and working his way up to President of the company.

Jim and Shirlee introduced their sons, Jay & Tim, to football, ice hockey, motorcycles, fishing, and speed boats. He never missed a game and always supported them from the bleachers, cowbell & excitement!

During retirement, Jim remained active. He owned Bozo’s in Coal City and worked part-time at Joliet Cabinet Company for 10 years in accounting while holding a position on their board. Jim was also a board member for The Goose Lake Club in Coal City, IL for 40 years. Additionally, he oversaw the family farm in Macoupin County in tandem with their close friends and business partners, the Prose family.

Jim was a proud member of the Farmers Association of America. Jim and Shirlee were members of the Morris Golf Country Club for 20 years. They enjoyed traveling to places such as Mexico for the Olympics, Saint Kitts, Canada, Hawaii, Florida, Alaska, and various states across the U.S, sightseeing and golfing. Early on, they took many trips with his in-laws, Ethel and Joe Hall, to Sanibel and Fort Myers enjoying the swimming and sand.

Jim is preceded in death by his son, James Joseph and his parents, Cecil and Gladys Krebaum. He is survived by his wife, Shirlee, son Tim, daughter-in-law Michelle, granddaughter Elouise, twin granddaughters Allison and Ashley, and their mother, Cindy.

A private family service will be held on October 4th at Virden Cemetery in Virden, Illinois