"Jama was a fun loving person and a joy to be around. So sorry to hear that she passed. Hugs to Jeff and the children during their grieving."
In loving memory of
Jama M. Kriz
November 28, 1958 - February 19, 2022
Elmwood - Jama M. Kriz, 63, of Elmwood, passed away, surrounded by family, at 6:26 p.m., on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
She was born November 28, 1958, to Max and Patricia (Marston) Morse in Peoria, IL. Jama attended her undergrad at the University of Illinois and then received her Juris Doctorate from University of Minnesota. Initially a secondary math educator she moved on to insurance underwriting and finally got the itch to become a lawyer. During her 33 years of practicing, she achieved partner status at Leonard Street & Deinard, region council at SuperValu and finished of council at Stinson LLP.
Jama is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Jeff Kriz, whom she married in Peoria, IL on September 5, 1982. She will be greatly missed by her three children, Zachary (Laura) Kriz of Lisle, IL, Amanda (Derrick) Stanton of Grand Forks, ND, and Elizabeth (Alex Slater) Kriz of Bismarck, ND; and her grandchild, Lily Kriz. As well as her two brothers, Mark and Fred Morse, sister, Amy Kepple, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and countless friends she loved like family. She is preceded in death by her parents.
Jama was self-less, strong, positive, and always looking after others. She had the innate ability to light up any room and everyone she met was an instant friend. Heaven is a brighter place with her smile. Jama was a recent Elder of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Elmwood, where her memorial will be held March 19, 2022 at 11am.
To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Jama was a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend. I met Jama my first day as a practicing attorney and from then on, she always went out of her way to help on any project, to answer any and all questions, and to lend a sympathetic ear. Jama was an amazing attorney, who reminded me to have fun and to enjoy life while working hard. I will miss her greatly. Sending sympathy, love and peace to the Kriz family. Melinda Dugas"
"Jama was my boss mentor and friend for 14 years at SuperValu. she had a sign in her office that said don't come to work unless it's fun and she brought the fun. she worked hard for her employees and mentored them well. we raised our kids together. She brought light wherever she went which is rare. we will miss you Jama. please accept our sympathies on this great loss. What a loving, lovely lady. Joan Kuschke "
"Jama was an amazing law partner, colleague, mentor and friend. I enjoyed knowing her and practicing law with her for 22+ years. On behalf of all of her colleagues at Leonard, Street and Deinard, and at Stinson, we will miss her very much. Our deepest sympathy and peace to all of the Kriz family and friends. "
"I filled Jama?s role at SuperValu when she left. Talk about big shoes to fill. Luckily, she was available as outside counsel to help when needed. I got to know Jama through work but thoroughly enjoyed my time on the golf course with her and Jeff. So very sad to know she is gone. My sincerest condolences to Jeff and their 3 wonderful children. "
"I knew Jama well while working with her at SuperValu. Her infectious laugh filled the office with good cheer. Her legal abilities were excellent and her golf game very good. Jeff, I am so sorry for your family's loss."
"It is with great sorrow that I say farewell to this wonderful dear friend. When I look back on our great times, I will always remember the laughter we shared.
My deepest sympathy and love to the entire Kriz family.
"
"Sending prayers of healing for the Morse/ Kriz families. May God hold you in the palm of His Hand at this difficult time. "
"My deepest sympathy to Jama's family. She always had a smile on her face. Prayers for comfort at this difficult time. Cindy Powers Kunkel"
"So very, very sorry to hear this sad news. Our deepest condolences to Jeff and the rest of the family. John and Sue Hamilton"
"We just heard of Jama's passing from Howard P. We are so sorry and saddened for your whole family! We were karate family for so many years! Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you! Teresa and Don Nerge"
"We are very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy are with you and your entire family. Jim and Charlene Black"
"We are so saddened for your families loss . The photos are a wonderful tribute to a lovely woman and mother."
" our deepest sympathy at this time of loss. Lynne Stalter Goudie"
"We send our deepest sympathy to your family. We are so sorry. May her smile and love be held in your hearts. With care, Jon and Bonnie Moren "
"We were next-door neighbors for 19 years. Jama was always welcoming, kind, and gracious. So many good memories of Jama. A few things that often come to mind are neighborhood parties, sharing stories of her family, and countless times just visiting in our yards. We love you and miss you Jama! John and Cindy Fuchs"
"To all her family, ypu have my deepest sympathy. Jama was one of a kind and a beautiful person. Prayers to all of you. "
"Amy, Fred and Mark...I'm so sorry for your loss. Lisa Smith Nichols"
"Thoughts and prayers for you and your family at this difficult time . Erick and Linda Dygd"
"Jama felt like an extension of our family. She was kind and funny to be around and she treated Laura like she was her own daughter. She was also a very loving gramma and we will miss her very much."
"Jama always made people laugh. She had such a talent to lighten any room. She is missed so much already. Love you, Jama"