Lobbyist, strategist Jim Krog dead at 60

Surrounded by family and friends, Tallahassee lobbyist and political strategist Jim Krog died Thursday after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 60 years old.

Krog managed both of Democrat Lawton Chiles' successful campaigns for governor in the 1990's and was a prominent lobbyist before and after that. He fought skin cancer during the past year and was undergoing chemotherapy at the time he was stricken. He died at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and is survived by his wife, Louella, and a son, Christopher.

Krog was blessed with keen political instincts and a quick sense of humor. The old-school political operative was a Tallahassee fixture who adapted to his times. A partisan Democrat, he also became a lobbyist for Big Sugar and helped the agricultural giant kill a penny-a-pound tax in 1996 to clean up the Everglades. He could battle a rival in the Capitol and share drinks afterward at a nearby Capitol watering hole, holding court for hours during legislative sessions.

"I opposed him a lot of times and he was always just a really nice guy," said lobbyist Guy Spearman, who worked alongside Krog on the staff of Gov. Reubin Askew in the early 1970's and remained one of Krog's closest friends.

Every college semester, Krog returned to his alma mater, the University of South Florida, with Republican lobbyist Jim Magill, to give encouragement to students interested in pursuing careers in government or politics. "What Jim exemplified is that you can be passionate about your cause and still be friends with people on the other side," said USF's long-time lobbyist, Kathy Betancourt. "Everybody loved being around him."    

Comments

Godspeed Jim. You are missed already.

[Michael]

I will miss you, my friend, may God bless you with eternal peace and may he comfort your family during this very difficult time.

[Brian Crowley]

Thank you Jim for the wisdom you shared, your kindness and your laughter. It won't be the same without you.

The last vote has been counted and because of Jim we are all winners...Thank you Jim and God bless!

[David Johnson]

Jim Krog was a special, warm and gregarious man. I will miss talking the game, listening to his war stories, and his advice on all things political. The exception, a kind and decent fellow in a profession that doesn't always reward those of his good nature.
He touched many, myself included, and I hope his family take comfort in the lives he improved and the warmth we feel when we think of him.
I was fortunate indeed to know Jim Krog.

[William Stander]

Jim,

Thank you for your friendship, your encouragement, your advice, your jokes, your stories, your steady presence. I miss you greatly even now.

Well-said, DJ.

Good bye old friend. You will be missed. An era has ended.My only thoughts are to leave you with the words you have heard for over forty years at the end of each legislative session: Sine die.

[Larry Curtin]

A sad day indeed and another reminder, as if we needed it, that things can be a little fragile. For those of us, and there are many, fortunate enough to have worked with Jim in his capacities as a campaign adviser and manager, chief of staff and lobbyist, we know that he exemplified the ideal to which we should all strive and aspire and that is to be known not only as a brilliant strategist and practitioner, but also as an ethical and honest man who played within the rules. We can honor him by following his example.
Jim leaves a lot of friends and admirers and a lovely wife, Louella, and son, Chritopher. He also leaves a legacy of someone who was everlastingly proud of his profession and who thoroughly enjoyed what he did and life in general. The most vivid memory that I have of Jim is him sitting at my dining room table with Louella and the Hawkens and the Sessions, and laughing so hard (at what I don't remember) that tears were rolling down his cheeks. That is how I am going to remember Jim.

[Cynical Idealist]

Our paths crossed on many occasions. I always found him to be a gentleman and a gentle man, as well as kind and decent human being. That said, he was always a formidable opponent and passionate advocate for his clients and causes. Jim Krog was a giant amongst those of us who advocate for a living. Our thoughts and prayers are with Louella and Chris in their time of sorrow.

[Dave W]

I met Jim last fall at an event for Bulls in Government. He and the other prominent USF alums were so kind, honest, and gregarious with us students aspiring to play a role in government. Mr. Krog in particular took me aside and told me that I should follow my heart and return home for law school. He will be missed by all and his loss will be felt hard in Tally.

[GOP friend]

Yes, DJ said it best.

Thanks for always being there for us Bulls!

LOVED THAT MAN. NEVER BE ANOTHER ONE LIKE HIM, NEVER. HE WAS A GENTLEMAN. AND WHAT A SENSE OF HUMOR! A FIXTURE THAT WILL BE MISSED SO MUCH. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS LOUELLA AND CHRIS.

Good article, Steve, for another dear friend and legend lost in Tallahassee. We'll all miss his advice, honesty, and laughter. Our hearts and prayers are with Jim's family.

Hope Lucy Morgan writes a piece on Jim.

[Donna Blanton]

I knew Jim first years ago when I was a reporter, and he was always straight with me. He didn't lie or mislead, nor did he hide when he knew I needed to talk to him, even if it was going to be a tough interview. Later I knew him as a colleague in a Tallahassee law firm. He always made me smile. A Democrat to the end, he never got discouraged when the Republican lobbyists gained prominence and attracted some of the top clients. From the beginning he considered most of those younger lobbyists his friends, and he worked with and against them, depending on the needs of his clients. He was a true professional in all senses of the word. And he loved to have a good time. One of my favorite memories of Jim is when he wore his "Rough Riders" uniform and marched in the Sprintime Tallahassee parade with his buddies. He was as happy on those occasions as I ever saw him. Jim will be greatly missed.

[Jon Sjostrom]

Just the funniest, kindest person. A sad, sad day.

[Jeffrey Huggins]

There are not enough words to explain the impact Jim Krog had on the lives of hundreds of students at his alma mater, the University of South Florida, over the years. His legacy of educating young Bulls in the legislative process will live on through these graduates' work in government at all levels.

Jim was a mentor, a friend, a story teller, a teacher, a buddy, a colleague, a brother, a statesman, an expert, a father-figure, and a pal to so many.

And from now on, when we pass through the doorway at the Slipper, or the "Shoe" as he liked to call it, we will say "Here's to you Jim!"

He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. Thank you, Jim, for being a part of our lives.

[Senator Victor Crist & Angela Crist]

Jim,

Thank you for your years of unbiased counsel and loyal friendship. Your cool and unusual style of humor always helped to lighten a heavy day. Your life touched so many, we are all the better for it, and we’ll miss you dearly. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

[Travis M]

Jim Krog was a great man and was always there to offer advice, I was lucky to be able to meet and get to know a little bit about Jim Krog when he came to USF to speak and again while I was in Tallahassee working, he was an inspiration and a kind hearted man. It didn't matter what party you were in at the end of the day because he knew we were all the same inside, god bless you Jim... You will be missed and one Bull at a time we will take over the capital

[Jodi Chase]

The world is emptier today without Krog. He leaves a huge hole. He was a friend and mentor. Krog, you will always be remembered by anyone fortunate enough to have learned from you and laugh with you. Thanks for everything! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

What huge loss for the Legislative community as a whole. Krog will be missed by all - whether you knew him or not. I'll never forget his warmth and friendly attitude whether it was a losing or winning day at the Capitol. He was always happy to talk over a drink.

And who can ever forget "Krog's Head" Beer, likely the best practical joke ever played in Tallahassee?

Rest in peace, Krog. We miss you already.

[John Van Gieson]

Jim was witty, irreverent, savvy and truthful, truly one of a kind. He always had a unique, penetrating perspective on politics and government, and he was committed to exposing the sleazey side of his profession.

Jim, you were a giant. We will miss you.

[Andrew Ward]

Jim Krog was one of the greatest mentors anyone could ever have. I would not be who or where I am today were it not for his advice and friendship.

I emailed him just last week asking for advice, updating him on where I am and what I have been doing since completing the LDS program in 2005, but more than anything thanking him for all the advice he has given me over the years.

I miss you already and will remember you always. My prayers are with your family and friends everywhere they might be.

[Ashlee]

You will be greatly missed Jim! Thank you for all of your kind words and witty personality. You are surely making the angels laugh now!

The Miss Rotunda competition just won't be as much fun without Jim.

[Klena]

Krog was my hero. I am a stronger person because of him.

Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts and kind comments. It is comforting to know that all of you appreciated the unique man Jim was and will miss him as much as his family will. Thank you.

Allen (Butch) Krog

[raymondgross]

Jim Krog was a special man. As he went up the ladder, he always looked behind and tried to give a hand to those behind him, and help them up the ladder. Dr. Roger Nichols did that to him, and he repayed that gift a thousand times over. Jim will be missed, but not forgotten, because of all the people he has helped, and the good he has done.

[Allen (Butch) Krog]

It is comforting to know that all of you appreciated the unique man called Jim Krog and that you will miss him as much as we will. Thank you

Jim was such a friend to so many and always made each person feel like he or she were the most important in the moment...what a skill! I will remember him with great fondness.

[thom]

it just won't be as much fun without him
such a great guy...

[Paul D. Harvill]

To Jim's family and friends:

Florida lost a lot in Jim's death.

Hope Lucy Morgan writes a piece on Jim.

Posted by: | September 05, 2008 at 10:17 AM

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Agreed!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim was one of the most talented strategists ever to walk the halls of the Capitol. In his prime - only a few years ago - Jim was the best. You that didnt have the chance to work with Jim Krog missed out on a learning experience every time he worked on an issue. The man could take political complexity and filter it down to an effective executable plan like no other...easy to understand and always practical. I feel fortunate I had the chance to know him, and on several occasions - work closely with him. And grateful I shared a few drinks with him.

Jim was also a person of loyalty and integrity. Someone who - when frequenly asked by folks in the Capitol to abuse his relationship with Governor Chiles - for premium fees - politely declined without fanfare. To Jim, the money wasnt important. He didnt seem to care. He enjoyed the sport, the collegiality, the challenge, the interaction, the policy implications. Some folks today would be better served with this strategy, as would their friends in public office, and our state.

I will miss Jim Krog. He was truly one of a kind. I am praying for his family and friends.

Thank you for everything Jim. It was always a pleasure to debate politics with you.

[Patrick Arrington]

I am halfway across the world, but was notified of the passing of Jim by email. I can only say that he was a man of integrity, compassion and intelligence and will be well missed. To those of us who had the great fortune of being his friend, we are all enriched greatly. To Luella and Christopher I offer my deepest sympathies and wish only that I could offer them in person.

Krog - you and Marvin enjoy.

Patrick

To say this is a loss for Florida is an understatement. Jim will be greatly missed.

Jim was a kind, wonderful person, a true and loyal friend, and a great teacher. My deepest sympathy to Louella and Christopher.

[Terry Beckett]

Jim and Louella Krog are two of the finest people I have ever met, and I hope everyone who reads these messages gets a sense of the incredibly wonderful person Jim was.

I will never forget how excited Jim and Louella were when Christopher came into their lives. Jim's family meant everything to him, and I always loved to hear him talk about them. This big ol' back-slappin' hilarious guy would melt like butter just thinking about them.

Jim was such a smart guy, and he never met anyone who he didn't try to make his friend, and the irony in all of this is that Jim's biggest asset was his heart - it was so big and he shared it so freely with everyone.

If all lobbyists were like Jim, this world would be a much better place. He was a caring man who exercised civility and humor and common decency with everyone he met.

Florida has lost one of its great citizens, and we have all lost a dear and great friend.

[Ron Van Duyne]

Hard to believe! Its been 20+ years since seeing Jim in Tallahassee during fla health dept years. He was so special to so many. Will-be-missed is such an understatement!