WILLIAM JAMES KRESS

VERGENNES — With heavy hearts, and more than a few smiles at the memories he leaves behind, we announce the passing of William James “Jim” Kress, 83, on July 24, 2026.

Jim was born April 24, 1943, in Hackensack, N.J., the only son of William and Marie (Shadwell) Kress. As the family’s lone boy, he had six older sisters looking out for him. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Rutherford, N.J.

A true Jersey boy at heart, Jim began his career as a pharmaceutical representative for Marion Laboratories while raising a young family. Then, like many dreamers of the 1960s, he fell under Vermont’s spell. He bought a farmhouse in Monkton that looked as though it needed “a little work,” a phrase that turned into a 30-year renovation project. If something was broken, Jim would repair it. If it wasn’t broken, he might improve it anyway.

Jim rarely met a challenge he didn’t think he could build, fix, or improve. He tried his hand at maple sugaring, raised pigs, chickens, sheep and cows, and bred Golden Retrievers. He started Valley Foundations and poured the beginnings of many houses in Addison and Chittenden counties.

Summers found Jim happiest at the family camps on Mile Point in Ferrisburgh, where Lake Champlain offered endless opportunities for adventure. Over the years he enjoyed just about every way to be on the water: powerboats, sailboats, and kayaks, but eventually decided a pontoon boat was the perfect place for enjoying the lake with family and friends.

Jim loved being outdoors. He was a hunter, sailor, golfer, and devoted woodsman. But mowing was something else entirely. It was his quiet escape, a chance to disappear onto the tractor for a few peaceful hours, often with a repair or tune-up thrown in for good measure.

In retirement, Jim settled in Panton and spent countless hours mowing fields and wandering the woods in search of just the right tree for next winter’s woodpile. He believed there was always one more thing to do outside as long as it was followed up by sitting and enjoying either a beautiful view or a cozy fire.

Jim’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He is survived by Carol, his devoted wife of 60 years; his children, Greg (Becky) and Amy (David); his treasured grandchildren, Lucas, Miles, and Zoey; and his sister, Catherine Ewan. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Marie Kress; and his sisters, Ethna Kress, Jae Guiliano, Willa Dempster, Marie Boland, and Aileen Seitz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vergennes Food Shelf, 30 South Water St., Vergennes, VT 05491.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 15, at the Vergennes Congregational Church, 30 South Water St., Vergennes, Vt. ◊