James Krone

Jim passed away in his cabin at Taos East on Wednesday, May 23, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Pond Krone; three sons: Jim B. of Los Alamos, NM; John of Denver, CO; and Mark of Sherman Oaks, CA; three step-children: Kersti of Seattle, WA; Briget of Cedar City, UT; and Jono of Albuquerque, NM; five grandchildren: Kristina, Kevin, Mark, Michael, and Stella; two step-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Lily; and his brother Jack of Streetman, TX. Born March 13, 1936 in South Bend, IN, Jim grew up in Springfield, MO. Jim attended Notre Dame on scholarship and earned a BS in Electrical Engineering. After graduating in 1958, Jim came to New Mexico to work for Sandia National Laboratories. While working for Sandia, Jim earned an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico. Jim fell in love with the mountains of New Mexico and made northern New Mexico his home. Jim worked at Sandia National Laboratories for 38 years. His work supported US treaty monitoring and nonproliferation efforts. Jim contributed to these efforts as an electrical and computer engineer, designing hardware and software for satellites. A great deal of his work is still in use today. He was known for his incredible hard work, trouble shooting abilities and sheer brilliance. In 1985, he achieved one of Sandia's highest titles by being named a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff. An avid skier and ski-team "Dad," Jim spent much of his leisure time skiing, traveling with his sons to ski competitions, and in later years volunteering during the holidays at Taos Ski Valley as an ambassador and parking lot attendant -- positions he enjoyed because of the people he worked with and met. Jim was at his best at his cabin that he built from a kit in the 1970's with help from his family and friends. He enjoyed reading, hiking, following the adventures of his children and grandchildren, and experiencing the passing of seasons at the cabin. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Taos Community Foundation at PO Box 1925, Taos, NM 87571. The family is planning a memorial celebration of Jim's life in early August at Taos Ski Valley.