A funeral service for James H Burgeson was held on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Calvary United Methodist Church, Arnolds Park. A public reception for family and friends was held following the service. Visitation was held the previous Sunday at the church. A private family burial was held at Lake View Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji.
James “Jim” Hale Burgeson “Burgy” passed away on Wednesday, October 18, at the age of 85, in Milford, Iowa. His battle and determination with medical issues in the recent years showed his courage and love for his family.
Jim was confirmed in the Presbyterian church in Holdrege, Nebraska. He was very proud of the Sunday school pins he received for perfect attendance. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist church in Arnolds Park, IA. He knew his Lord Jesus Christ and said he was the closest to God when out on the lake.
Jim’s love of racing never left his blood, passing that love down to his children and grandchildren. The memories made by that pastime were often visited. His other love was definitely fishing. Before his stroke in 2018, he didn’t often miss a day and always “one more cast”. Canada stories, stay in Canada.
Jim met his wife, Joyce, in 1960 in Holdrege, NE. They were united in marriage in June 1962. From this marriage came three children: Todd, Scott, and Jill. Jim was a proud member of the Air Force National Guard in the early 1960s. He was in the mechanics industry and before retirement was an insurance adjuster. Jim lived with his family in Nebraska and Iowa, spending the last 48 years in Arnolds Park, IA near the lakes where he loved to fish.
Jim was survived by his wife, Joyce; brother, Mike (Connie) Burgeson; sister-in-law,Janet Beckwith; brother-in-law,Dennis Larson; son,Todd (Rhonda) Burgeson; son,Scott (Mary) Burgeson; daughter, Jill Burgeson; grandson, Max (Samantha) Burgeson; grandson,Weston (Brittany) Burgeson; grandson, Tanner (McKenzie) Green; granddaughter, Tatum Green and her friend Austin Quinn; granddaughter, Alexandra Mankle and fiancé Ryan Freeman; grandson,Nikolas Mankle; along with great-grandchildren, Reggie, Grady, Cason, Blakely, RenLee, Salem and Carver. Along with several other family, friends, and fellow fishermen.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mary Ann Burgeson; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Clifton and Gladys Larson; brother, John and his wife Karen Burgeson; sister, Karen Henry and her husband Jim; brother, Dave Burgeson; sister, Mary Lou Payton. Also welcoming him to heaven are several fishing buddies and coffee friends.
Jim was the common sense in the family, and we all learned a lot from him. He will be in our hearts forever.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake is in charge of arrangements.
