James A. Madden

Jim Madden, 84, died Wednesday, March 22, 2006, at Butterfly Homes Assisted Living in Billings.

Jim was born in Cleveland, OH, on August 24, 1921. After graduating from Cathedral Latin High School, he earned a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. From 1943-1947, Jim served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Wright in the South Pacific on the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and the Philippine Islands.

Following discharge from the military, Jim worked for Republic Steel Company in Chicago before moving to Billings in 1953 with his wife and infant daughter. In 1954, he founded Madden Construction Supply Company in Billings and eventually opened offices in Great Falls, Portland and Seattle. Jim was a co-founder of Associated Construction Distributors International. He also served as a member of the Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus, and B.P.O.E.

Survivors include his best friend and committed companion, Carol Elaine "Jerry" Hess, his children Suzanne Kujat (Randy) of Billings, Katie Madden-Buetow (Eric) of Fairbanks, AK, Tom Madden (Susan) of Billings, Kevin Madden (Jill) of Tucson, AZ, and Mike Madden of Lolo, MT, seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren. Jim's youngest son, Pat Madden, was killed by a drunk driver in 1993. Rachelle and Aaron Madden, Pat's wife and son, live in Kailua, HI. Also surviving is his sister, Marjorie Lathan of Grand Junction, CO, and his brother, Rick Madden of Santa Rosa, CA.

Jim's family would like to thank the fun and dedicated staff at Butterfly Homes for the 16 great months he lived there, as well as the kind and caring Hospice staff for the emotional support, comfort and dignity they provided him during the final days of his life.

Memorial Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Billings on Friday, March 31 at 3:00 pm. A dessert reception will be held following the service. Private family inurnment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice,2110 Overland Ave. Suite 111, Billings, MT 59102, Montana Rescue Mission, 2822 Minnesota Ave., Billings, MT 59101, or the charity of one's choice.

"Both life and death are part of the same Great Adventure"