GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Well-known Green Bay area businessman James Kress has died at the age of 89. But his legacy in the community will live on.
Kress donated money to build libraries and parts of colleges, and his name will now permanently live on those buildings throughout Green Bay.
Saint Norbert College President Brian Bruess tells FOX 11 the Kress impact is all around.
“The gymnasium in the Mulva Family Fitness Center bears his name.”
From the Jim Kress Gym at St Norbert College to the James Kress Events Center at UW Green Bay, he had an obvious fondness for college athletics.
“He’s also had a long, long legacy of supporting student financial aid and making St. Norbert education affordable for many many students,” said Bruess.
Kress graduated from UW-Madison and stepped into the role of CEO for Green Bay Packaging in 1958- a business his father started.
During his tenure, he grew the company from about 600 employees to nearly 3000. The business remained successful, in part, because of Kress’ industry leading, eco-friendly ideas.
“He gave back to the community many, many times. He was successful in business but again, he made money but he donated it he didn’t keep it for himself,” said Dave White, a member of the Rotary Club.
In 2002 the Green Bay Rotary Club awarded Kress the “Free Enterprise Award” for leadership and community commitment, joining his father as a recipient.
Kress also sat on the board of Trustees at St. Norbert, his wife Julie-Anne Kress eventually taking over his position.
“They care about education, they care about a healthy vibrant Green Bay, De Pere community,” said Bruess.
While Kress will be remembered throughout the community for his generosity, those who knew him say it was his all-around ‘good’ that stood out.
“Just a man of fine character and great integrity,” said Bruess.
James Kress’ son, Will Kress is now running Green Bay Packaging.
