Jim Burroughs

James "Jim" Burroughs, 78, of Galesville, WI, originally of Waukon, IA, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at his home after a long battle with complications from diabetes. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 12th, from 1:30 – 4:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church fellowship hall in Galesville. Memorial services will be held Sunday, October 13th, at 2:00 PM at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Steve Oden officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may also greet the family from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Sunday, October 13th, at the funeral home.

James Stephen Burroughs was born January 16, 1946, in Waukon, IA, the son of Alfred and Shirley (Hagemeier) Burroughs. He was baptized and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon and graduated from Waukon High School in 1964, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. He attended Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, MO. Jim then enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country in Korea during the Vietnam conflict, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. Before being deployed to Korea, he was stationed at Minot, ND, receiving numerous commendations for procedures he developed in missile preparedness. After serving four years in the Air Force, Jim returned to Waukon and began a 41-year career with Northern Engraving. He held numerous various positions, including plant manager at the Waukon and Lansing divisions, and set up numerous manufacturing facilities, including the manufacturing plants in Spring Grove, MN, Juarez, Mexico, and La Crosse north division. At the end of his career, he was plant manager at Northern Engraving Forms and Surfaces and was the righthand man to corporation owner Philip Gelatt.

During his early years, Jim was an avid softball player, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and collected coins, toys, and Lionel trains, which he continued throughout his lifetime. Jim was instrumental in forming the Waukon Veterans Drill Team, which marched in numerous parades throughout the years.

Jim met the love of his life, Jane (Remus) Johnson, in 1994, in Galesville, WI. Together for 30 years, they enjoyed collecting antiques, attending auctions, playing cards, and gardening until his health declined. Jim also dearly loved his four cats.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Shirley Burroughs.

He is survived by lifelong companion Jane Johnson; his brother Ernie (Patty) Burroughs; nephew Chad Burroughs (Sarah Sylvester); two nieces: Shannon (Rob) Lloyd and Cherie (Jeph) Burroughs-Scanlon; numerous great-nephews and nieces; seven step-children: Dana (Brad) Urbanek, Cory Johnson (Diane Stanislowski), Jennifer (Brian) Kokke, Lisa (Fred) Mathews, James (Louan) Handke, Tami (Ron) Renne, and Michael Handke (Sue Guyer); six step-grandchildren: Ansley Remus (Tim Brown), Dylan Urbanek, Austin and Logan Kokke, and Emma and Cole Johnson; and his special great-granddaughter Aubri Ila Mish.