Activist James Krembas Dies at 60

James F. Krembas, a former city councilman and a longtime Capistrano Unified School District administrator, died Saturday, apparently of a heart attack, while visiting the Palm Desert area. He was 60.

Krembas was well known in South County for his commitment to education and community activism.

In the 1980s, he spearheaded Laguna Niguel’s drive for cityhood and served on its first City Council in 1989. He also helped found the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, serving as its president, and was named Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year.

His death was “absolutely shocking to this community,” said Mayor Patricia C. Bates, who met Krembas during the cityhood campaign. “Jim was undoubtedly a visionary and founder of our community. He’s going to be sorely missed.”

Krembas joined the school district in August 1977 when he was hired as principal of Dana Hills High School.

He later served as principal of Capistrano Valley High School, San Clemente High School and Shorecliffs Middle School.

In July, Krembas assumed a new district-level post as principal on special assignment, coordinating suspension and expulsion processes and overseeing other student discipline matters.

“Jim Krembas will be remembered by friends and family as a person with a great deal of enthusiasm and energy,” district Supt. James A. Fleming said. “He will be missed.”

Said Trustee Crystal Kochendorfer, “He’s always given to his community. Dr. Krembas, with 20 years of service, has helped the district gain the reputation that we have.”

Before coming to Capistrano Unified, Krembas worked for the Torrance Unified School District as a teacher, director of student activities, dean of students and assistant principal.

Krembas, a 1958 graduate of UCLA, also earned a bachelor of arts degree from Cal State Long Beach and a doctorate from United States International University in San Diego.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, a son and a grandchild.

A special viewing for family and friends will be Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at O’Connor Laguna Hills Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, in Laguna Hills. The funeral will be Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway, in Irvine.

A memorial service celebrating Krembas’ life will also be Friday, at 6 p.m. at the Sea Country Senior Citizens Center at Moulton Parkway and Aliso Creek Road in Laguna Niguel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim Krembas Scholarship Fund, attention Carol Bowman at Monarch Bank, 30000 Town Center Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.