October 31, 1939 - November 7, 2024
Carrollton, Ohio | Age 85
CPT(R) James C. Madison passed away on November 7, 2024 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family.
Jim was born on October 31, 1939 to Leroy and Virginia ( Maple) Madison in Salineville, Ohio. He was proceeded in death by three infant sisters, Nancy, Rebecca, and Christine; his parents; son, Ronnie Madison; sister, Priscilla Bycroft; brother, William L. Madison.
He is survived by his wife, Judy (Kessler) Madison; sons, Lonnie (Eva) Madison, Jason (Jennifer) Madison; stepdaughter, Shari (Charlie) Anderson; sisters, Karin (Richard) Taff, Cathy (Doug) Hart; brothers, Alvin (Lota) Madison, David (Laurie) Madison; grandchildren, Emily, Trent, Wyatt, and Colton.
He graduated from Salineville High School and attended Malone College.
Jim was a true patriot joining the U.S. Army in 1957. He attended numerous training schools. These schools were, Airborne 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. As a member of the Green Berets he was part of an elite unit called MACV-SOG. This was a highly classified unit involved with covert operations in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was in charge of 11 soldiers and 540 Montagards which are 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, attaining 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 career service ended, Jim was an agent with the Multistate Narcotics Agency. He worked undercover narcotics operations in conjunction with various law enforcement agencies. After he left the agency he was general manager for Ron Peterson VW. He later started his own business, Madison Motor Sales and then an over the road truck driver for 10 years, retiring 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.
It was Jim's wish that donations be made to: The Carroll County Animal Protection League, 4901 Canton Road PO BOX 353 Carrollton, Ohio 44615.