James R. Madson

God’s good and faithful servant, James Robert Madson, of Mackinaw, Illinois died peacefully January 15, 2024.  Jim was born November 4, 1934, in Moline, Illinois to Nestor and Violet Smith Madson. 

Jim grew up as a river rat in Havana, Illinois.  He joined the U.S. Navy in 1953 and served with MCB1 during the Korean War.  He was stationed in St. John’s Newfoundland, Port Lyautey, French Morocco, Africa, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Alameda, California.  He finished his service in 1957 and returned to Illinois to begin his career in construction with IUOE Operating Engineers Local 649.

In the summer of 1957, Jim met Twila Hasty from Mackinaw, Illinois and by August 31, 1957, the two were married.   They made Mackinaw their life-long home.  Jim was an active member of the Mackinaw American Legion Emery-Whisler Post #607.  He served as Local 649 president twice and helped develop the apprenticeship program.  He fulfilled a life-long dream of learning to fly.  Always a servant, Jim gave back to his community by serving on the Mackinaw Cemetery Board and organizing and distributing food baskets at Christmas. 

Jim is survived by his daughters, Michele (Larry) Carnahan of Bovey, Minnesota and Kristi (Jerry) Phillips of Mackinaw; 5 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. They survive to remember Jim’s kind heart.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Twila; his son, James Michael; his brother, Everett; and his sister, Patricia Combs Stahl.

Jim Madson’s visitation will be held from 1:30 – 2:30 pm on Sunday, January 21, 2024 followed by the funeral service at 2:30 pm at Newcastle Bible Church in Mackinaw. Pastor Ralph Bauer will be officiating. Burial will be at Mackinaw Township Cemetery. Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Mackinaw is handling the arrangements. Jim’s time and service on earth is done.

Memorials may be made to Mackinaw Rescue Squad.

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