James Joseph Burian of Mukwonago died on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center at the age of 81. He was born in Chicago, IL on November 24, 1936 the son of Steven and Ruth (nee Bell) Burian and the grandson of Stephan and Suzie (Zuzu) Burian and Emery and Jessie Bell. He was a 1955 graduate of Hirsch High School. James proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1957 until 1959 and then in the Reserves from 1959 until 1962. On February 14, 1959 he married Ruth Caryl Eagle in Chicago. He worked for Republic Steel, Direct Sales and the Department of Agriculture. James loved gardening, NASCAR, going out for Mexican food, playing cards, traveling and fishing.
He will be sadly missed by his daughter Deborah Olson, son Steven Burian, grandchildren, Matthew, David and Daniel Timm and Heather and Amanda Burian, and great-grandchildren, Mikyla Burian and Maleah Burian and Brandy Shiner. He is further survived by his brother-in-law James MacNeill, nephews, Jeff, Dave and Jimmy MacNeill along with other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his sister Jean MacNeill and his nephew Richard MacNeill.
Private interment with full military honors will be at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.