James Francis Xavier Shugrue

James F.X. Shugrue, 78, was called home to eternal life with his Savior, Jesus on August 8, 2025, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI after a short illness. He passed peacefully surrounded by loving friends and family.

Jim, as he was affectionately known, was born in Jersey City, NJ to the late Francis Xavier (Frank) and Grace (Abel) Shugrue and was older brother to the late Ann Elizabeth Shugrue. Jim graduated from Snyder High School in Jersey City, NJ in 1964 then earned his teaching degree from Trenton State College, NJ.

Marrying his high school sweetheart Marianne Strauch on November 29th 1969 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jersey City, NJ; they celebrated 55 loving years together this past year. Jim is survived by his wife, children Sharon, Robert (Marsha), and grandchildren Samantha and Gabriel Shugrue.

Jim spent 18 years at William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City teaching Electricity & Industrial Arts. He also enjoyed his other/summer job at Middlesex Foreign Cars in Somerset, NJ as an automotive technician working on the Saabs, Subarus, and Citroens he loved. Later he and his family moved to the Village of Florida, in Orange County, NY and changed careers to HVAC Technical Engineering and fieldwork in the New York City area until retiring and moving to Wisconsin in 2012.

Forever a teacher, and with an undeniable Servant’s Heart, Jim would often respond to the call of those needing help with all manner of mechanical issue. Regardless of time or weather, he would run to answer those calls with his mechanical expertise, fixing and explaining the situation, the history of the matter, and/or a joke prefaced by “The funny thing about that is...”. The family lovingly used the phrase “Jimmy Rigged” for his often unorthodox mechanical solutions.

Jim had a passion for model train railroading and sailing and boating. As a young man, he grew his passions with Boy Scouts and the Sea Scouts of Hudson County, NJ. and the New York Society of Model Engineers of Carlstadt, NJ. Most recently, he has enjoyed donating his time as pontoon captain for the North American Squirrel Association (n.a.s.a) and cruiser captain at the La Crosse Sailing Club. You could always find him on his 23’ O’Day sailboat either in the water on Lake Onalaska or in his driveway doing repairs or upgrades. Sadly, due to a prolonged lack of “A Round To-It”, his dream of a garden G-scale model railroad still remains unrealized.

Any additional down time Jim had was dedicated to his love of Sci-Fi including Dr. Who and Star Trek. If you called during his shows, he may have answered you with “Star Treks’ on, call back later”. Above all, his love of Christ, made getting up at 4AM every week to cook breakfast for the Men’s Friday morning breakfast prayer group at Olivet a beloved practice.

Jim was beloved and the anchor of his family. His loss is deeply felt by his family, his friends, and many he touched throughout his life. He is already greatly missed.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Olivet Lutheran Church (2100 Bainbridge St., French Island, La Crosse, WI). Visitation will start at 10AM, followed by a service at 11AM, and lunch will be served at noon.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to:

North American Squirrel Association Make a Donation to N.A.S.A. Squirrel Association or the La Crosse Sailing Club (contact the family for donation details).