Kansasville – James Edward Erickson, age 84, passed away at Burlington Rehabilitation & Care Center on Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

Jim was born in Milwaukee on October 24, 1932 to the late George and Etta (nee: Ogla) Erickson. He proudly served our country with the United States Army in the Korean War. Upon returning from service in 1955, Jim founded his automobile customizing business in Racine – Erickson Auto Trim, which expanded to Madison and Menasha over the years. He retired after 43 wonderful years in business in 1998 when he sold the company to Kelly Kudrna. On November 28, 1998 he was united in marriage with Kay (nee: Malewski) Kuty. They shared their time living in Racine County and in Bonita Springs, FL.

Jim was a member of Roma Lodge, American Legion and the Wisconsin Club. Affectionately known by some as "James Bond", through the years he enjoyed bowling, scuba diving, skiing, playing cribbage & sheepshead and singing "Don't Burn the Outhouse Down". However, his true passion was golf. Above all, Jim loved spending time with his family, work family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Kay Erickson; sons, Neil Erickson and Gregory Erickson; daughters, Sally Erickson and Peggy (Greg) Nyboe; granddaughter, Patricia Nyboe; step-daughter, Cheryl (Dan) Seguin; step-son, Mark (Jill) Kuty; six step-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Donna (Joseph) Delgado; sister-in-law, Carol (Wayne) Varady; brothers-in-law, Roger (Ethel) Malewski and Paul (Debby) Malewski; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – including his former employees and customers – of whom Jim considered family.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved son, Lee Erickson; and sister, Mavonne Perszyk.

A Celebration of Life will be held at ROMA LODGE (7130 Spring Street) on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 11 am – 3 pm (with lunch being served at 12:30 pm). Private interment, with military honors, will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to American Lung Association, American Cancer Society or to one's favorite charity have been suggested.

Service Details

A Celebration of Life will be held at ROMA LODGE (7130 Spring Street) on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 11 am -3 pm (with lunch being served at 12:30 pm)