Obituary
James (Jim) Delbert Burrington
James (Jim) Delbert Burrington, 65, of La Crosse, passed away unexpectedly on October 25, 2026, while doing something he dearly loved—bowhunting whitetail deer. He was born on June 9, 1961, to Mary Alice (Monroe) and Clyde Burrington.
Jim graduated from Stoughton High School and immediately joined the United States Army, proudly serving his country. His military service was a source of great pride throughout his life. After the military he started his career as a truck driver, working for Gateway Foods, Fleming Foods, Ace Hardware, Wal-Mart, and retiring as owner/operator of Jim Burrington Trucking LLC contracting with Martin Milk Service & Warehousing Inc.
On February 16, 1991, Jim married the love of his life, Susan (Sue) Strauss. Together, they raised three daughters: Angela, Jami, and Emily. Jim was the “BEST GIRL DAD” and had a special way of making each of the women in his life feel loved, valued, and cherished.
He took tremendous pride in his grandchildren and loved nothing more than being their “Papa.” Natasha, Evrett, Aubree, Sawyer, and AJ brought immeasurable joy to Jim and Sue’s lives.
Jim was a best friend to many and the kind of person everyone knew they could count on. Whether it was a broken furnace, a leaking boat, car troubles, a house project, mowing the grass, or shoveling snow, Jim was always willing to lend a hand. He was often the very first phone call anyone made when something went wrong—and he never hesitated to show up. Selfless, dependable, and full of personality, Jim had a compassionate heart and a way of making everyone around him feel cared for.
Jim found his greatest happiness in the simple things in life: family, friends, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, pool parties, cooking for loved ones, golfing, and watching the sunrise and sunset over Grandad Bluff.
Perhaps his most treasured moments were the quiet evenings spent with his soulmate, Sue, sharing a nightcap in their sunroom while watching their beloved marsh critters—deer, foxes, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, eagles, hawks, turkeys, and sandhill cranes—wander onto their front lawn.
Jim approached each day as an adventure and appreciated the little things in life that are so often overlooked. He reminded those around him that life’s greatest joys are often found in its simplest moments.
His loss is immeasurable, and our hearts and lives will never be the same. But we hope to find comfort and peace in the things Jim loved most—the outdoors, around a table filled with family and friends, in the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, and in the quiet moments that remind us of him.
Jim’s kindness, generosity, and love for life left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, the way he lived and loved will continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sue Burrington; daughters Angela (Rian) Tuma, Jami (Thomas) Burrington, and Emily (Peyton) Fellenz; brothers Robert (Elizabeth) Burrington and Donald Burrington; grandchildren Natasha, Evrett, Aubree, Sawyer, and Andrew (AJ); father-in-law Lyle Strauss; brothers-in-law John (Teresa) Strauss and Jim (Linda) Strauss; stepmother Marilyn Burrington; stepsiblings Jeff (Susan) Vedvig, Dan (Renee) Vedvig, and Lisa (Ted) Keehn; and many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Judith Strauss, and brother-in-law Joseph Strauss.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, 3060 S. Kinney Coulee Road, Onalaska, Wisconsin.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
Angela, Jami, & families
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad! My heart breaks for you all 🙏🏻💙🙏🏻😔 May you find peace in your memories 🙏🏻💙🙏🏻 Love you cousins
Jim obituary was written so beautiful and special like he was! A good man and we are so proud to have been in his circle of friends. So crazy this is and my heart is saddened. He will be missed. Love John and Peggy