James R. Madara

SHAMOKIN — James R. Madara, 88, of 4031 Upper Road, passed away Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, at his residence.

Born in Shamokin, April 21, 1924, he was a son of the late Ferdinand and Ethel V. (Crowle) Madara.

James was married Dec. 25, 1945, in East Cameron, to the former Margaret M. Copper, who survives.

He lived most of his life in East Cameron.

His latest achievement was being awarded his high school diploma in 2011. He left school in his junior year to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He served during World War II, from April 1943 to February 1946, as a gunner's mate second class.

James was presented his high school diploma by his grandson, Wesley Madara, who graduated from Shamokin Area High School in 2011.

He received the following commendations: Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon and a Victory Medal with two gold stars for the Battles of Saipan, Guam, as a member of a landing craft control boat.

He was awarded Navy Unit Commendation to the U.S.S. President Adams Ribbon Bar for Exceptionally Meritorious Service in Action against Japanese aircraft, shore batteries, submarines and mines in the South Pacific campaign.

Jim was an electrician, union carpenter and automatic heat technician, and worked for Shamokin Redevelopment Authority.

After retirement, "Jim," or "Red," as he was known, worked at various locations.

His ready smile and friendly attitude made many friends in his life.

A member of Calvary Bible Fellowship Church Shamokin, Jim was very active with his voice. Loving to sing solos, he also led song services at Bethel Union Chapel and Paxinos Bible Church.

He was a member of Kulpmont American Legion and enjoyed the outdoors.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, is a son and daughter-in-law, Ferdie and Susan Madara, of East Cameron; six grandchildren, Laurie Shawda, James, Jonathan, Wesley, Kathryn and Ferdinand Madara; a great-grandson, Derek Shawda; a son-in-law, Wayne Kahler, of Gowen City, and a sister, Jane Ditty, of Sunbury RR.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Ellen Kahler, and a special aunt, Betty Steely.

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MADARA — James R. Madara, 88, of 4031 Upper Road, Shamokin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Robert G. Foust Jr. Funeral Home, 841 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton, with his son, Pastor Ferdie Madara, officiating. Burial with military honor guard will be in Northumberland Memorial Park, Stonington. Viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. until time of services Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's memory to Calvary Bible Fellowship Church Building Fund/Handicap Accessible, 35 S. Second St., Shamokin 17872.