James Joseph Madden, Jr.

James Joseph Madden, Jr, 88, of Newtown Square, PA, died peacefully on March 29, 2025, surrounded by his family, toasting his amazing life with his favorite Cabernet Sauvignon.

Born on June 26, 1936, in southwest Philadelphia, Jim was the oldest child of James and Catherine (O’Toole) Madden. He is predeceased by his siblings Robert (Mary Ann) and Kathleen Schaefer and survived by his youngest sister Patricia (Richard) Allen. Jim grew up in St. Barnabas Parish under the watchful eyes of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary nuns whom he credited with giving him the foundation of his Catholic faith. From a mischievous start at St. Barnabas, he went on to attend West Catholic High School for Boys, which would become the cornerstone for a life of learning and serving others. His family often laughed when Jim asked “Did you go to West?” because it seemed everywhere he went there was a WC Burr!

Jim completed high school and matriculated at Villanova in hopes of earning his engineering degree. After two years, his beloved mother became gravely ill and he took a day job with ARCO and continued his education in the evenings at Drexel, eventually graduating with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1965. His education paved the way for a successful career with Betz Labs where his hardworking and generous nature made him a valued team member and mentor to others. His family saw it as a testament to his success, but Jim felt he was “lucky” to call so many customers his friends for life.

His mother died in 1957 leaving Jim to comfort his father and younger siblings. The bright spot though was his engagement to his lifelong love, Marion.

Jim and Marion married in 1958, raised three children: the late James (Jolene), Joanne (Kevin) Finger and John (Heather). They enjoyed many adventures together with Jim’s work at Betz Labs moving them from Pennsylvania to Indiana and back, traveling the world, playing golf and becoming grandparents to Christin Madden, Erika (Daniel) Ryan, Nicole (Nicholas) Ceneviva, Timothy (Morgan) Madden, Daniel (Margaret Kellas) Finger and Margaret (Benjamin) Sullivan. He was also the adored GG-Pop to Julius, Gianni, Sierra, Avalina, Vinae, Milania, Santino, Isla, Jack, William, Elle and Charles.

In 2020, Jim and Marion received the terrible news that their oldest son James (Jimmy) had died. Their greatest consolation following Jimmy’s death was the love and support of his wonderful family; their daughter-in-law Jolene Madden, granddaughter Erika and her family.

In 2022 Jim’s greatest fear was realized when his wife of 64 years succumbed to cancer. Life was never the same as he mourned her loss each day until he would be reunited with her.

With an impish smile and a gleam in his eye, Jim’s jovial exterior belied a deep faith, a generous nature that extended beyond family and friends to those in need, a loyalty to family and community, a patriotism for the country he loved and served, and a unfailing devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jim was a cherished figure in each and every community he touched. He will be remembered for the deep connections he fostered throughout his life. His memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him.

The family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers you consider a contribution to his alma mater, West Catholic Preparatory High School at https://www.westcatholic.org/give or to Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Camilla Hall at https://ihmimmaculata.org/mission-ministry/camilla-hall.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing from 6-8 PM on Monday, April 21, 2025 and 9-10 AM on Tuesday, April 22 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073. A Mass of Resurrrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 22, at 10:30 AM at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA. Interment at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.