James Brown Golden Jr.

Colonel James Brown Golden, Jr. (USAF Ret.) passed away July 10, 2021 at the age of 85, after a long illness. He was born December 14, 1935, to James and Mary Golden in Front Royal, Virginia. His mother died when he was only four; his father later married Margaret Haskins who raised him and his brother Greer. Jim grew up in Bradenton, Florida where he loved living on the water, swimming, fishing and hunting. At Manatee High School he joined the Civil Air Patrol and learned to fly. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1962 after graduating from Florida State University in 1961.

Colonel Golden had a long and very distinguished career in the United States Air Force. He was trained as an Intelligence Officer and served globally, including two tours of Vietnam in 1968 and 1972. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star for bravery and skill in support of military operations in Southeast Asia. Among his many medals and awards he received the Meritorious Service medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit for his service to the Republic of Korea, and the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. He received a master’s degree in political science from Central Michigan University in 1977 and was a graduate of the Air War College in 1981. He retired from the USAF in 1989 after 35 years of military service.

In retirement he continued to enjoy his love of hunting, skeet and trap shooting, and reading about history and politics. His greatest joy was feeding the many wild animals that lived in the woods near his home, as well as handing out cookies to all the neighborhood dogs. He was an active member of the Air Force Association, the Military Order of the World Wars, and Jacksonville Clay Target Sports. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Jim was married to Joyce (Lee) Golden (d. 1997) in 1961 and they had three children James, Tamara and William. He married Susan (Saville) Golden in 2002. Susan was, and is, the love of his life. Even in the twilight of his memory he never forgot her, or her steadfast love for him. He is survived by his wife Susan, his three children, and four grandchildren. He leaves a lasting legacy of love, humor and distinguished service to his country.

Visitation is Monday, July 26 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn. Funeral Services are Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn. Graveside services with full military honors will take place Tuesday, July 27 at 12:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care of Jacksonville, or the charity of your choice.