James Daniel Madden

James Daniel Madden passed away on Friday the 3rd of June, 2016 in Pueblo, Colorado. James was born on November 15, 1916 in Menominee, Michigan to Daniel and Frances Madden. James and his siblings, Katherine (Kay), Patrick (Pat), Grace and Helen enjoyed a loving family life with their parents in Minocqua, Wisconsin. James joined the Army Air Corp on November 10, 1939 and served as a top turret gunner and engineer on a B-17 bomber, or Flying Fortress. He was assigned to Crew 51, Squadron 350 of the 100th Bomb Group. Our Dad flew 21 missions and was awarded the following service medals/citations: Air Offensive Europe, Normandy, Rhineland; Distinguished Unit Badge; American Theatre Ribbon; European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon; four Bronze Stars; Air Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters; American Defense Service Ribbon; and the World War II Victory Medal. Having completed only 5 missions, the following was reported in the local Wausau, Wisconsin newspaper: 'Tech. Sgt. James D. Madden, 27, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Madden, who is the top turret gunner on an Eighth AAF Flying Fortress, has been credited officially with the destruction of a Nazi fighter during an aerial battle over Berlin recently, according to word received from a bomber station in England. The press dispatch said Sgt. Madden downed the Nazi plane in a battle in which the Forts slugged it out with the luftwaffe while dropping tons of bombs on the important Erkner ball-bearing works in Berlin.' After heroically serving his country James (Jim) returned home and married his sweetheart, Rita Irene Deininger on June 29, 1946. He was excitedly looking forward to celebrating his 70th anniversary this month. Jim especially enjoyed sharing his Irish heritage through song, and his family always enjoyed listening to his many colorful jokes and stories. Several weeks ago Jim was paid a special tribute in Pueblo, CO for being a 2016 centenarian and wrote: "My time on earth has been and is more than wonderful. I hope the future generations are blessed with peace and joy like I have." He is survived by his wife Rita and children (spouses): Daniel (Kim), John (Annette), Guy (Karen), Mary (Bob Barry), Timothy and Cathy. His grandchildren are James, Jonathan, Elyse, Amy, Declan, Emily, Jillian, Renee, Nathan, Sarah and Dillon. He was also mindful of all 18 great-grandchildren. He left a great legacy, many stories, and a loving family. Husband, father, patriarch and friend, "James Daniel Finnegan Hogan Himself Madden Jr." will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. Services will be on Friday, June 24th, beginning with a Mass at St. James Catholic Church, 1314 Newport St., Denver, CO at 11:00am (303-322-7449) and interment with Military Honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO at 2:30pm in Staging Area B (303-761-0117).