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James C. Madison

James C. Madison

1939-2024

James C. Madison passed away on Nov. 7, 2024, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family members.

Jim was born on Oct. 31, 1939, to Leroy Madison and Virginia (Maple) Madison in Salineville, Ohio. He was preceded in death by three infant sisters (Nancy, Rebecca and Christine); a son, Ronnie Madison; a sister, Priscilla Bycroft; and a brother, William L. Madison.

He is survived by his wife, Judy (Kessler) Madison; sons Lonnie and wife Eva Madison of Sweden and Jason and wife Jennifer Madison; a stepdaughter, Sherry and Charles Anderson; sisters Karin (Madison) Taff and husband Richard Taff and Cathy (Madison) Hart and husband Doug Hart; brothers, Alvin and wife Lota Madison and David Madison and wife Laurie (Kidder) Madison. He also had three grandsons and a granddaughter.

He was a graduate of Salineville High School and attended Malone College.

Jim was a true patriot and joined the U.S. Army in 1957 and attended numerous training schools that were offered. These schools were jump school, security agency school, officer candidate school, jungle warfare training, U.S. Navy submarine school, jumpmaster school, German mountain climbing school, German ski school, Spanish advanced ski school and Greek Helanic raiding school. He was also a soldier with the Green Berets. As a member of the Green Berets, he was a member of an elite unit called MACV-SOG. This was a highly classified unit involved in covert operations in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was an operational detachment commander. He was in charge of 11 soldiers and 540 Montagnards. These Montagnards were Vietnamese gorilla fighters. He organized, trained and conducted combat operations against the Viet Cong and North Vietnam Army. His recon team was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross. Jim served two tours in Vietnam and attained the rank of Captain. After he retired from active duty, he spent time in the National Guard. During his time in the National Guard, he received the Mayor’s Community Service Award for outstanding service to his community during a blizzard.

After his service career ended, Jim was an agent with the Multistate Narcotics Agency. He worked under cover narcotics operations in conjunction with various law enforcement agencies.

After he left the agency, he was the general manager for Ron Peterson VW. Later, he started his own business, Madison Motor Sales. Later, he was an over-the-road truck driver for 10 years until he retired in 2005.

It was Jim’s wish that upon his death his body was to be donated to the Cleveland Clinic for study and research.

Instead of flowers, it was Jim’s wish that donations should be made to: The Carroll County Animal Protection League, 4901 Canton Road, P/O/ Box 353 Carrollton Ohio 44615.

Rest in peace Captain Madison, you have earned it.

11/15/24