James Edward Erickson, 84, died June 28, 2017, at Burlington Rehabilitation and Care Center. He was born in Milwaukee on Oct. 24, 1932, to the late George and Etta (Ogla) Erickson.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon returning from service in 1955, he 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.
He married Kay (Malewski) Kuty on Nov. 28, 1998. They shared their time living in Racine County and in Bonita Springs, Fla.
He 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 and sheepshead and singing “Don’t Burn the Outhouse Down.” However, his true passion was golf. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, work family and friends.
Survivors include his wife; sons, Neil and Gregory; daughters, Sally and Peggy (Greg) Nyboe; granddaughter, Patricia Nyboe; stepdaughter, Cheryl (Dan) Seguin; stepson, Mark (Jill) Kuty; six step-grandchildren; five 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 he considered family.
He was further preceded in death by his beloved son, Lee; and sister, Mavonne Perszyk.
A celebration of life will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 7, at Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring St., Racine. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. 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 are suggested.
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory, Racine, is assisting the family.
