James "Jim" Surman

James “Jim” Surman, age 71, passed away quietly with his family by his side on July 9, 2023, after a sudden brief illness.  Jim was born in Green Bay on May 19, 1952, son of Veraine “Chick” (Skaletski) and the late LaVern “Toad” Surman.  He graduated from Seymour High School in 1970 and started work at  Menasha Corporation.  Jim married his love, Barb Langteau, in a ceremony on July 10, 1971, at St. John Parish.  They were one day away from celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary before Jim’s passing.  

Jim was enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict from 1972 until being honorably discharged in 1977.  Menasha Corporation held his job while he served our country where he worked until accepting a position at Wisconsin Tissue, now Essity in Neenah, until his retirement.

Jim truly appreciated nature.  He enjoyed turkey and deer hunting, a love he passed on to his son.  Jim would fish anytime, anyplace because a bad day fishing beat a good day at work.  Jim was also extremely creative.  He was a wood worker, creating decorative miniature duck decoys.  He was a nature photographer and recently took up resin casting.  Jim could often be found tinkering in his garage, and improving his garden. He loved aviation and enjoyed going to EAA.  Jim will always be remembered for his kind, giving spirit, and his dry sense of humor.

Jim will be missed by his loving wife of 52 years: Barb Surman; children: Craig (Susanne) Surman, Lori (Rob) Pagel, and Eric Surman; his grandchildren: Kai, Johnathon, Kendra, Savannah, Evelyn, Gwendolyn, and Alex; mother: Chick Surman; and siblings: Deb (Bob) Randerson, Rick (Kim) Surman, and Marty (Carole) Surman.  Jim’s in-laws are: Joyce Langteau, Becky (Tony) Kraft, Terry Wilcox, Pam (Wayne) Fager, Mary (Chris) Young, Anthony Langteau, Lisa (Tim) Leisgang, Patty (Tim) Hardyman, Scott (Vi) Langteau, Dom (Elizabeth) Langteau, and Kelli Trost.  He is further survived by good friends: Carl and Chris Parker, and Bill and Carolyn Shepeck; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his father: Toad Surman; and infant granddaughter: Brooke Pagel; father-in-law Kenneth Langteau, infant brother-in-law Christopher Langteau, and infant nephew Bennet Trost.

The memorial service for Jim will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday July 26, 2023, at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME TRI-COUNTY CHAPEL, 1592 Oneida St, Menasha.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until the time of service.  

Jim’s last selfless act was to be an organ donor.  His legacy will live on in the countless lives he has saved.  The Surman family would like to thank the Thedacare Regional Medical Center in Neenah ICU staff and the UW Donor Network for their never-ending love and support throughout this process.