North Clackamas Schools District Mourns Sudden Death of Joe Krumm

Joe Krumm, a long-time administrator at the North Clackamas Schools District who handled the district's public relations for many years, died suddenly Wednesday night, the district announced Thursday.

Krumm, who has been serving as the Executive Director of Community and Government Relations, died while playing drums in a band.

"You didn't need to be with Joe for more than a minute to know his deep love for his family, his music, and his community," said Matt Utterback, North Clackamas Superintendent.

The district says that Krumm was a "foundation for building strong, collaborative relationships between the District and students, their families, and the community. Joe was known for his vast empathy and commitment to students and families."

Krumm, who joined the district in 1990, served as the district's public relations specialist for many years. He also served as President of the National School Public Relations Association and the Oregon School Public Relations Association chapter.

Krumm served as the chair of the North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce where he contributed to the Leadership Clackamas County program and Youth Leadership Project. He served in numerous volunteer positions, including with local Rotary clubs and the Regional Arts and Culture Council. He was named Volunteer of the Year by the chamber and Citizen of the Year by the Milwaukie Lions Club.

Before going to work for the district he was the editor and co-publisher of the Clackamas Review. He had started there as a reporter and worked his way up the ladder.

Krumm leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Colleen, and his two sons, Martin and Patrick. He has counseled many on how to raise a child with autism. He continued to play drums in bands in a variety of settings. An avid baseball fan, this past summer Joe and his wife completed their dream vacation traveling from city to city on the east coast to watch games at multiple Major League Baseball stadiums.

Photos courtesy North Clackamas Schools District