Jim Madden

Jim Madden, 69, died in his hometown of Palm Springs, CA on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 of lung cancer. A 1961 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Jim served three tours (1st Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division, and Special Operations) in Vietnam, where he was awarded three Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts. He was born in Hope, AR on January 11, 1938 and grew up in Ottumwa, IA. Jim enlisted in the Army after high school graduation, and enrolled at West Point one year later. He left many big footprints in the US Army, developing training and review procedures that are used throughout the Army today. Jim retired from active duty in 1980. Following his military retirement, Jim continued to serve the Army he cared so much about as a civilian contributor while employed by BDM Corporation, the Institute for Defense Analyses, and in various consulting assignments thereafter. During the most recent years, Jim was a key stakeholder in the development of the next generation of military training systems. As in his military service, Jim's leadership, insight, dedication, and attention to detail earned the respect and admiration of his professional colleagues. Jim is survived by his wife, Dawn, of Palm Springs; his son, Christopher Madden, of Los Angeles; and his former wife, Heidi Madden of Pebble Beach. Memorial service and columbarium inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on October 11, 2007. In lieu of flowers, Jim's family asks that donations be made to Orphan Pet Oasis in Palm Springs, or to the American Cancer Society.