Jerome Joseph Madej

JEROME JOSEPH (JERRY) MADEJOctober 29, 1946 “ December 29, 2019Jerry was born to Lillian Rusnak in Chicago, IL. After the death of his mother, at age 11, he was adopted by his aunt and husband “ Florence and Louis Madej and continued to reside in the Chicago area. He graduated from Dwight D Eisenhower HS in Blue Island IL, attended Purdue University studying metallurgy.Jerry joined the United State Marine Corps and proudly served under the Special Operations Group. Along with his military training, he studied martial arts and earned his black belt. He served two tours of duty in south Viet Nam which had a major impact on the rest of his life.Jerry worked at several jobs serving as jewelry security, personal security, rehabbing and flipping houses, welding at his uncle's shop.Jerry completed a five-year apprentice/journeyman program as pipefitter and welder becoming a member of United Association Union Local 597. During his long career in this field he wore many hats eventually supervising multi-million-dollar jobs. His love of metallurgy encouraged him to build his own motorcycle from scratch. He traveled with his friends, Jay and Ham, on their motorcycles taking two weeks every year to explore many places in the United States. He even tried motorcycle racing for a time. In 2000 he joined the Rolling Thunder Ride to Washington DC in honor of POW'S and MIA'S.Another passion of Jerry's was shooting sports. He taught many people the merits of safety and proficiency with handling guns. Jerry became proficient at competitive target and action shooting. He practiced with tenacity and traveled to compete. This led to Jerry's interest in the science of ballistics. Recently he pursued long-range precision rifle shooting and studied the ballistics of this art extensively. His goal this year was to hit a steel target at one mile (1760 yards). He was successful at regularly hitting a steel target at 1000 yards. Jerry had a scientific, analytical mind. Anything he bought had to be enhanced often using tools he made to fit the situation. He also was a great storyteller telling of many adventures in work and play. Acquaintances were amazed at Jerry's many talents and found him to be humble. After moving to CO, Jerry developed a love of the mountains learning all he could about hiking and snow sh ing. He climbed several mountains and relished the beauty around him. After recovering from bi-lateral knee replacement in 2018, he was looking forward to the next snow sh ing excursion.Soon after settling in CO he met his friend, Sam Smith. As they were each alone, they agreed to watch out for one another. They have continued their friendship and support.Jerry met his soul mate, Jan, in 2014, an unlikely pairing of a city boy from Chicago with a country girl from CO. They had a magical connection and enjoyed their many hobbies together. They were partners in all things. He was encourager, teacher, protector, devoted friend, counselor, loved passionately. He displayed respect for others and expected respect in return. He was decisive and had the ability to see to the core of situations quickly. His love of the military shined through the many facets of his life. Jerry is survived by wife/partner, Jan Davies; his mother, Florence Becker; his cousins, Kathy Walker and Patti Tiritilli. Also his special friends: Sam Smith, Jack Jageler, Larry BattertonCelebration of Life Gathering 1:00 to 5:00pm Saturday January 4, 2020 at the Harvest Point Community Room. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Share condolences at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.Donations: In Memory of Jerome Madej WoundedWarriorsProject.org