Jim Soukup

Jim Soukup, 85, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on April 17, 1939, in Nasewaupee, WI to Charles and Lillian (Oldenburg) Soukup. Jim was the youngest of 6 children. His life, spanning over eight decades was marked by a love for family, a remarkable work ethic, and a passion for life.
Jim met the love of his life in 1961, Linda Hendricks, and they were united in marriage on the 4th of July in that same year at St. Mary's Catholic Church in De Pere, Wisconsin. Together, they nurtured a loving family that includes their three sons, Russ, Rob, and Chad. Jims's legacy continues through his five granddaughters, Sawyer, Camden, Sophia, Emily and Sara along with a great-granddaughter Renetta.
Jim's life story is one of hard work and dedication. He spent his formative years on a small farm, honing skills that would serve him well throughout his diverse career as a carpenter. He was a knowledgeable tradesman who could fix/build almost anything, instilling a solid work ethic in his sons that they carry with them today. Jim was a man of faith and a member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Maplewood.
In his early years, he and best friend Delmore Blazer were members of the Door Devils Motorcycle Club. Along with their wives Linda and Judy, they enjoyed trips to Washington Island and many other places. Jim was a lifetime member of the Northeastern Wisconsin Antique Power Association. You could find him and Linda grilling at the Valmy Thresheree for many, many years. He also enjoyed his morning coffee visits with neighbor Steve Feest.
Jim had a passion for restoring vehicles and farm equipment. He also loved going to garage sales with his wife, looking for a good deal. James found solace and joy in the great outdoors, enjoying camping, hunting, and fishing, often accompanied by his granddaughters on a golf cart with Mable, on adventures that would create lasting memories.
He is survived by his loving wife Linda of 63 years, his devoted sons, Russ (Cathy), Robert, and Chad (Sarah), his granddaughters, Sawyer, Camden, Sophia, Emily (Jacob) LaFleur, and Sara (Brandon) Toman, along with a great-granddaughter, Renetta, his sisters-in-law Sue (Ken) Leick, Julie Hendricks, Gail Hendricks, and brother-in-law Rick Hendricks. He also leaves behind his god daughter Debbie Lake and numerous nephews and nieces who will forever cherish the memories they shared. James is preceded in death by three brothers: Benjamin (Ann), Norman (Betty), and Raymond (Charlotte); as well as his sisters Mae (Harold) Jeanquart and June (William) Peters.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of Door County Medical Center over the past year and Aurora Baycare, and Aurora Hospice for their compassionate care.
A mass in celebration of Jim's life will be held at Holy Name of Mary in Maplewood at a later date, where friends and family can gather to honor a man whose life was a testament to hard work, love, and the joy of family. Jim Soukup will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
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