James Frederick Krebs

James Frederick Krebs, age 62 of Freeville, NY passed away peacefully on February 13, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. His battle with lung cancer was short but gallantly fought.

Jim was born in Morristown, NJ on July 31, 1959, the son of the late Karl Krebs and the late Natalie Krebs. Jim graduated from Cornell in 1986 with a Masters degree in physics. He worked as an Aerospace Electrical Engineer for 25 years at Ithaco and specialized in the design of magnetic torquer bars. In 2014, Jim began work at Cayuga Astronautics as the Senior Electrical Engineer and Quality Manager. There, he played a critical role in the growth of the newly founded company.

Jim was a caring and loving husband and cherished square dancing with his wife, and love of his life, Arlene. His love of nature and bird watching was a defining part of his daily routine. His office window faced a bird feeder which he tended to, and he and Arlene spent weekends going on walks through local parks and nature preserves, often visiting grand bridges and waterfalls. Jim was a fantastic father and took great pride in his children, Matthew and Laura. He spent countless hours playing board and card games with them, and in doing so, expressed his compassion and passed down his love of cards. In his personal time, Jim was an avid bridge player and a member of the American Bridge Association.

Community was important to Jim: he spent over 20 years on the Village of Freeville Planning Board and recently served as a Trustee. Jim was a longstanding member of the Freeville United Methodist Church and recently began attending the Etna Community Church. Music followed Jim: he was an active member of several choirs where he joyfully and proudly expressed his worship through song.

Jim is survived by his wife Arlene (Hildreth) Krebs; son Matthew Krebs; daughter Laura Krebs; his siblings Bill Krebs – deceased, Carol (Jay) Kenlan, and Diane (Doug – deceased) Merrick; brother-in-law Gary Hildreth; sister-in-law Rhonda (Steve) Schweiger; brother-in-law James (Jean) Hildreth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 1 pm Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main Street, Dryden, NY. Calling hours will be from 11 am to 1 pm. Burial will be in the spring at the Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made directly or through Perkins Funeral Home for the placement of a memorial bench at a local park.