James Earl Madden Sr

James Earl Madden, Sr. was born June 17, 1940, to the union of the late J.E Madden and Ruby Lee Harper Madden, in McNeil, Arkansas. Two sisters, James’ siblings: Blanche Madden and Annetta Madden Cooper preceded him in death. On November 10, 2024, at approximately 8:59am, James exited this life on earth to go be with his Father in Heaven. James E. Madden, Sr. accepted Jesus Christ as his LORD and SAVIOR at an early age. James’ early years were spent in the household of his maternal grandparents Reverend Benjamin Harper and Adella Harper, of Magnolia, Arkansas. Madden was additionally under watchful eyes and was aided by his Aunt Bettye Jean Harper (Gaston) and his Auntie/Cousin Doris Dean Trammel (Stewart). His Aunt Bettye particularly stepped in as his protector. There in Magnolia he completed his early years of formal education. Madden, with special tutoring from his Aunt Bettye Jean Harper, achieved the recognition of being a gifted mathematician, along with his hometown classmate “Big Man” Johnny Stewart. Madden, many years later amazed his younger Cousin Adella Denise; the two set out to solve an algebraic word problem: Denise busily wrote out applicable equations with two pages of written calculations, while Madden quietly sat and thought awhile. The two came up with the same answer. Madden, surely an amazing mathematician, solved the answer to the wordproblem without the use of paper or pen!James Earl then moved to Racine, Wisconsin; there he lived, and grew under the nurture of his Uncle Elbert Garrett, and his maternal Aunt Mertle Garrett, through his completion of high school. Madden attended and graduated from William Horlick High School. There Madden played football and was also on the wrestling team. Madden developed special friendships with classmates Vernon and his twin brothers Ronnie and Donnie Matt, as well as a close neighbor Herman. Madden, while in Racine, Wisconsin, often responsibly helped to care for his younger cousins: Stewart, Sonja Jeanetta, Archie Lee, Boyce Wayne, Shelia Yvonne and Kevin Ladale (Sr.). James Sr. was a devoted friend and a devoted family member.James Earl then moved to Oakland, California to spend time with his mother, Ruby Lee Harper Harris. Madden, soon after, began his college educational pursuit; he was successful in securing a Degree in Engineering.and Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. This accomplishment made his extended family Godly-proud! The family was also elated when Madden, as a youthful young man, landed a job at a Chicken Delight eatery in San Francisco! Family members loaded up in their vehicles, crossed the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge to go and purchase chicken during James Earl’s work-shift! James secured a job position at the Chevron Corporation, Richmond, CA. where he served as a Chemical Engineer, until his retirement.Madden loved music; he was a good dancer. He enjoyed attending Blues and Jazz Festivals and attending music Concerts at various venues. One of his favorite hobbies was cooking on his outdoor grill and he also enjoyed eating good food in fine restaurants. Madden was a faithful friend and enjoyed sharing fun time with others. James Earl, Sr., also loved children and enjoyed their youthful antics. He was sympathetic and compassionate towards children. It was said of James Earl, by his younger Cousin Charles Lee Green, Sr. that: ‘He was my Hero! He was my big Brother…He taught me many things, and took me to places, like the park (San Antonio Park in Oakland, CA)!’ Madden loved and cherished his family.The family extends special thanks to those who lovingly assisted in the care of James, Sr.: Denita Easter, Nurse; Zoe Ann Alexander, Niece; and Latrice Reynolds, Goddaughter. James was married to Mary Ruth Isom Madden, who preceded him in death. Madden also united in Holy Matrimony to Virginia Madden, who preceded him in death. Acquired siblings that preceded James in death include: Clara, Florence, Geraldine, Charles and Gerald. Son-in-law Alex Richardson also preceded James in death. First cousins among the Harper Clan, who preceded James in death include: Doris Dean Stewart, Corlis M. Green, Odeyer Harper, Freddie L. Rachal, Christopher ‘Duralle’ Harper, Archie L. Stewart, James L. Green, Sr., Boyce ‘Wayne’ Stewart, and Kevin L. Stewart, Sr. James Earl Madden, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory: loving and devoted life partner, Edwina Williams Madden; son: James Earl Madden, Sr.; daughters: Demetria Ford Briggs (Brandon) and Lashanna Williams Richardson (Alex); grandsons: DaMar Madden, Moses Madden, James E. Madden, III, Jayson, Joe Gullatt and Devonti; grand-daughter: April Jaeanne Madden and Noir; great-grandson: Latray and Lance; great-grand-daughters: Alexes, Kaileah, Londyn, Aanayah’Li and Aleigha; great-great-grandson: Zion. Additionally, to cherish Madden’s memory, include acquired brothers and sisters: Edwin, and Cheryl; special cousins, Charles L. Green, Sr., Pearlene Reese (Felix), Gwendolyn J. Brooks (Lloyd), Clementine Green, Sonja J. Rachal, Adella Denise Washington (Marlon), Shelia Stewart, Sherri L. Jackson (Henry), and Marsha Hare (Gregory), as well as many additional family members; associates and friends made throughout his lifetime.

James Earl Madden Sr

November 10, 2024

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James Earl Madden Sr

November 10, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

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