St. Joseph First United Methodist Church            
3003 Leco Court, Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085
Phone: (269) 983-3929
Fax: (269) 983-1973

A Visit with James W. Kraus, Jr.

Most people call him Jim and he seems to prefer that.  I met with Jim in his office, if you want to call it that.  It is a huge room filled with all the bell choir stands, the harpsichord – an instrument that looks like a miniature grand piano but sounds more like a lute – stacks and stacks of music and a desk, actually two desks, piled with files and correspondence and a computer.  His "office" is walled on two sides with cabinets which are filled with music related things.  Jim enjoys being surrounded by these tools of his trade.  His resume acquainted me with his educational and employment background and provided the following information.

Jim attended High Point High School in Maryland and graduated in three years.  He then went to Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Piano Performance with a minor in German.  He attended the University of Maryland in College Park for three years studying Conducting, Piano, Voice, Organ, Music History and more.  Following that Jim attended the University of South Florida in Tampa earning a Master of Music degree in 1986.  In 1988 he enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, graduating in 1991 with a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education with a church music emphasis.  That adds up to 12 years of college…he's lucky he finished high school in three years.  He continues his education by attending institutes, seminars, conferences and music festivals.

Jim's work experiences are as impressive as his educational accomplishments.  To briefly summarize, in December of 1984 he became Director of Music and Assistant to the Pastor of the FUMC in Brooksville, Florida, followed in1988 by becoming Director of Music at Harrodsburg UMC in Kentucky and Adjunct Instructor of Piano, Voice and Accompaniment at Asbury College.  In 1991, Jim concluded his four years of instructing at Asbury College and went to Hungary as an English teacher and missionary.  It was during this assignment that he met Lorie who was to become his wife.

In August of 1993 Jim came to the St. Joseph First United Methodist Church as Minister of Music and Leadership Development which embraces a multitude of responsibilities.  Soon after his arrival here, he and Lorie were married and they now have two children - Jacob and Esther.  Reverend Kraus and Lorie combine their talents serving as Stephen Ministry Leaders.  Lorie is active with the UMW Mom's Group and directs the Children's Choir.  She also sings in the choir, often solos, and performs an occasional duet with her husband.

Jim says they love the Twin Cities area and appreciate the beauty of the lake and the many community musical offerings.  They like the proximity of Chicago and attend concerts and plays there as often as they can.  Jim is a founding member of the Twin Cities Organ Concert Series which is now in its third year.  He is on the West Michigan Conference Board of Ministry which credentials Elders and pastors and is an ordained Deacon of the United Methodist Church.

He indicated that he will continue to write and direct cantatas, an occasional opus, do accompaniment, solo work, performing or whatever other opportunities may come along.  To say that Jim's life has been full and had much variety is an understatement.  Keep up the good work, Jim. 

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Contact St. Joseph First United Methodist Church @ stjoefumc2@juno.com