Many are grieving the loss of James Krueger, who passed away peacefully on June 3 after a long illness. A North Side resident for more than 30 years, Jim belonged to the Rodeo Riders Social club—first as a maverick and then as an elected president.
Jim was an avid reader and an aspiring writer. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Roosevelt University. To pay the bills, he became a teacher; however, finding that teaching wasn’t his passion, he moved on to find a position as a case worker for the Social Security department and remained there until he retired. Never giving up his dream, he continued to write and submit his stories in his spare time.
Jim and his life partner, Rod Baker, shared their lives and love together for more than 30+ years. They enjoyed the beauty in everything, whether they were traveling to exotic places, collecting rare and unusual art, or giving love and attention to their feline companions. Together, they created an amazing backyard paradise that they were so proud of—full of flowers and trees, and unlike any other in the city.
Once sons of the Windy City, they now travel together in the wind. Who knows where it will take them?
Jim was preceded in death by Rodney Baker; his father, James Krueger; and his brother, Richard Krueger. He is survived by his mother, Betty Borske; sister, Barbara (John) Brunner; brother, David (Linda) Kruger, and sister-in-law, Jane VaNoss; and many nieces and nephews.