James “Jim” Michael Burge, 83 of Dousman (formerly of Johnson Creek), passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at AngelsGrace Hospice of Oconomowoc.

Jim was born on April 18, 1941, in Watertown, WI, the son of Frederick “Fritz or Fred” and Helen “Lu” (Reiss) Burge.  He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. He earned a master’s degree in Industrial Education from UW-Stout. Jim was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity during his time at Stout where he met lifelong friends. In 2022 he joined the FreeMasons and earned his 3rd degree.  He married Sue Hanrahan in 1963 and later divorced.  He married Trudie Hanson in 1971 and they had two daughters and later divorced.  On February 11, 1993, Jim married Kathleen (Adams) Huff in Waukesha.  Jim loved and was loved by not only his children, but also Kathy’s; they blended their families from the beginning. Jim cared so deeply for Kathy and her children, that he considered her daughter who had passed away in 1979 as his own.  Jim relished being the father of 5 daughters and the leader of “Jim and his Girls”.  He worked in the construction trade for the entirety of his working years, owning his own business for a number of those years. His interests were vast, he especially enjoyed restoring wooden boats, making fishing rods, wood working, cooking, and creating stained glass. Above all other interests were his family and friends, they were everything to him. Jim’s loving, funny, and boisterous personality was enjoyed by even strangers.  He connected with people deeply, no matter the person or topic. His family is thankful for his love and leadership, and he will be greatly missed by so many.

Jim is survived by: his wife Kathy Huff-Burge of Dousman, daughters Marcia (Mike) Ellestad of Madison, Nancy Frudden of Palmyra, Erika (Howard) Rudin of Cave Creek, AZ, and Gretchen (Phil) Ekins of Summit; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and brother, Paul Burge of Jefferson.  He is also survived by a number of other relatives and MANY friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Lu, daughter, Karen Huff (1979), grandson Devin Gullickson (2021), and great-grandson, Jordan Faust (2022).

Jim’s family wants to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff at AngelsGrace Hospice. While a heartbreaking time, the staff there made the last chapter of his life comfortable for him. We’d also like to thank everyone who offered thoughts, prayers, and support. If desired, donations can be made to the Jordan Strong Foundation at Jordan Strong Benefit Account, 5414 Starker Ave, Madison, WI 53716-1922. 

A Masonic Service and a celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Village on the Square at Three Pillars of Dousman (314 E. Village Ct. Dousman, WI 53118) with Rev. Dale Vlastnik of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Johnson Creek presiding.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00AM until the time of service at Three Pillars.

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