James Madison Stone

James Madison Stone, resident of The Cypress of Charlotte, passed away on March 28, 2012 surrounded by family and friends, at the age of 93, of causes incident to age.

“Jim” was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Margaret Grace Stone. He is survived by his brother, Claude H. Stone and his spouse, Rea Stone, and sons, Donald L. Stone and his spouse, Elyse, both of Charlotte, NC, and James M. Stone, Jr. and his spouse, Elke S. Stone, of Sammamish, WA. He also leaves four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: granddaughter, Ginger Wills and great-grandson, Lane Wills (daughter and grandson of Donald Stone), of San Francisco, CA; grandson, James M. Stone, III and his spouse, Michele, great-granddaughter, Hannah Margaret Stone, and great-grandson, James M. Stone IV, of Sammamish, WA; Alexander N. Stone, and his spouse, Rebecca, and great-granddaughter, Emma Margaret Stone, of Salt Lake City, UT; and Thomas W. Stone and his spouse, Merinda, and great-granddaughter, Margaret Elizabeth Stone, of Issaquah, WA (sons and granddaughters and grandson of James M. Stone, II).

Born and raised in Bristol, VA, Mr. Stone studied business administration at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX prior to wartime service in the U.S. Navy. Following World War II, he held positions in production control and management at the Whiten Machine Works, Whitensville, MA; American Type Founders, Elizabeth, NJ; the Crane Corporation, Chicago, IL; and Solar Aircraft Corporation, Des Moines, IA and San Diego, CA.

In 1960, Jim joined the Thiokol Corporation in Brigham City, UT, where he spent the remainder of his career. In 1967, he became General Manager of the Corporation’s Wasatch Division, site of the world’s largest producer of solid propellants for rockets and missiles, including the first and third stages of the Minuteman ICBM, and the first stage of the Trident SLBM. Under his direction, Thiokol was named as supplier of the Solid Rocket Motor Boosters for the NASA Space Shuttle Program, propulsion systems for the Patriot, Maverick and Standard tactical missiles, and a pioneer in the development of automotive airbag systems.

In 1974, Jim was named Vice President of the Thiokol Corporation and Group President for all propulsion, ordnance, educational (Job Corps), and automotive operations (air bags), in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Maryland, West Virginia, and Utah, with liaison offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, California, and Stuttgart, Germany, comprised of over 15,000 employees.

In 1972, Mr. Stone was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Science by Utah State University.

In 1982, Jim retired from his position with the Thiokol Corporation to his birthplace,

Bristol, as well as maintaining seasonal homes in Texas and Florida. In 1996, he and Margaret relocated to Charlotte, NC, and joined the original residents of The Cypress of

Charlotte in 1999.

During his career, and in retirement, he served on numerous boards of directors and engaged in charitable activities and fraternal organizations; among them, the Anadite Corporation, Los Angeles, CA; The First Security Corporation, Salt Lake City, UT; the National Armed Forces Museum Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C.; and as Chairman of the American Defense Preparedness Association (ADPA). In Bristol, he took particular interest in leading the restoration of the Paramount Theater Project, and was a member of the Masonic Order.

A family and friends visitation will be held at Harry & Bryant Company, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2012.

A funeral service will be held at Highpoint Presbyterian Church, 24168 Highpoint Road, Bristol, VA from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, 2012, followed by burial at Highpoint Cemetery between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with Reverend Alan Baldwin officiating. Bristol arrangements will be handled by Akerd Funeral Home, 1912 W. State Street, Bristol, TN.

Mr. Stone and his family wished that their thanks and gratitude be conveyed to all of his friends; both neighbors and staff employees of The Cypress, and Hospice of Charlotte, whose kindness, love and support meant so much to them during the last years and weeks of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice & Palliative Care-Charlotte Region, in his name.