by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News
James John Croneberger
March 15, 1958 – May 30, 2024
James John Croneberger, known to many as Jim, passed away peacefully at his home in Utah on May 30, 2024, at the age of 65, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in 1958 to Carl and Dolores Croneberger in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, Jim graduated from Governor Livingston High School in 1976. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from the University of Arizona in 1984, after completing coursework that included Advertising Theory, Consumer Behavior, and Marketing Research. Jim furthered his education by studying in the master’s program at Wharton Business School in 1984, where he focused on Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.
Jim’s career in the tradeshow industry began after he moved to Delaware in 1984 to work for Display Arts Studios, all while studying nights at Wharton. His career then took him to New Jersey in 1985, where he worked for Maltbie Associates, and later to Phoenix in 1986, where he joined Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. During his decade at Giltspur, Jim’s dedication and expertise led to numerous successes, including securing major accounts like Hewlett-Packard, GTE, Sprint, and Pfizer. In 1995, he reached a high-water mark with a sales volume of $7 million, achieving top sales performance in the nation for Exhibitgroup and Giltspur.
In 1997, Jim founded Mice Marketcraft, a company specializing in exhibit design and production for tradeshows. Under his leadership, the company thrived for nearly a decade. He later owned MarketCraft Studios from 2013 to 2016 and continued his career as a contract Sales Consultant in Las Vegas under the title of “Hired Gun” from 2016 until his passing.
Jim’s professional accomplishments were matched by his warmth, generosity, and dedication to his family. He was known for his dry sense of humor and love of classic cars, particularly his GTO. Reflecting on their memories, Rob Roland shared, “I remember Jim, usually smiling, and a dry sense of humor. Love the GTO. Godspeed and smooth tailwinds Jim. Sympathy and condolences to his family and friends.”
Another longtime friend, Wild Willy Jr. (Garry Fischer), reminisced, “It has been a wonderful ride knowing you Jim, since BH swimming pool meeting and all the adventures with you and your family at Hillbilly Haven. In your honor I purchased a 1966 GTO convertible a few years ago because I enjoyed the one you had. My hope is someday a movie will be made of our family’s adventures, man, what a glorious ride, wish it would never end.”
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Carl, and his older brother, David. He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; his daughter, Shahla; his mother, Dolores; his siblings, Barbara, Joseph, and Stephen; and his cherished grandson.
A Mass will be scheduled at Little Flower Church in Berkeley Heights, with the date to be determined. The Croneberger family extends their sincere thanks for the outpouring of support, including messages of sympathy, gifts, and flowers during this difficult time.
