Willie J. Madison, Jr.

W. James “Jam” Madison Jr., was born on July 18, 1953 in Florence, South Carolina to the late Rev. Dr. W. James Madison Sr. and Ella Louise Madison, both of South Carolina. He transitioned to his heavenly home at the age of 70 on April 14, 2023.

James grew up in New York City, attending the city’s public school system. He graduated from Evander Child’s High School in the Bronx, Class of 1971. He went on to join the United States Navy later that year, serving as an Attack Squadron 83 member. During his over eight years of service to the United States Navy, he traveled the world spending time in Italy and Spain. Upon return to the states, he was granted an honorable discharge from the US Navy. James worked as a Logistics Manager for an electric manufacturing company and ultimately, retired from CSX Railroad in Georgetown, South Carolina after serving as a long-time Conductor.

James resided in New York City before relocating to Georgetown, SC with his then wife, Mary and their blended family consisting of his stepdaughter Michelle and Mary’s niece & nephew, Melissa & Phil. Never having had the pleasure of having children of his own, he embraced his new family, giving the love and guidance he knew they deserved. His love of family gatherings mirrored that of his own father. When James Sr. passed, James Jr. easily stepped into the role of patriarch constantly encouraging the family to gather. He was known to load up his own family along with tons of gifts each year to spend time in Florence, SC every Christmas. Though his marriage dissolved, he developed a beautiful bond with his niece Melissa who was more like a daughter to him. He always spoke highly of her any and every chance he could fit her into a conversation. She was truly the twinkle in his eye.

You could often find James telling stories that made everyone laugh. He loved grilling, golfing, exercising, and fishing. He also dearly loved his home church, Piney Grove Baptist Church in Georgetown. He spoke highly with pure joy & pride of his time as a member of the male choir. There were many a Sundays he would rush home to watch his BELOVED Dallas Cowboys or the New York Knicks.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his youngest brother Roger, and his beloved middle sister Myrtle.

Left to cherish the lasting memories are: His beloved nieces, Melissa Poorman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Shemiqua (Matthew) Williams of Wichita, Kansas, and Chelsea Madison of Greensboro, North Carolina, his nephews Taylor Madison of Los Angeles, California, Richard Madison of the Bronx, New York, Messiah Madison of Florence, South Carolina and Caden Bradley of Wichita, Kansas, Nicolia (Charles) Connor of Raleigh, North Carolina and Linda (Edwin) Williamson of Timmonsville, South Carolina; one younger brother, Tony Madison of New York, New York; his granddaughters, Courtney & Madison McConico; his former wife, Mary Madison; stepdaughter, Michelle (Corey) McConico; two aunts; Francis McClain & Narcessus Timmons; one uncle, Samuel Madison of Atlanta, Georgia and a host of close cousins & friends.

Please keep the family of Mr. Willie J. Madison, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers.