John P. Madison

He was born on May 3, 1928 in Philadelphia, PA to Peter and Martha (Ringius) Madison, the eldest of four children. Always headstrong, John left home and joined the Coast Guard when he really wasn’t quite old enough. Discovering the limitations of ship life for such a tall guy, he transferred to the Air Force and retired (the first time). He met and married Irma Back, his wife of over 70 years while stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. After his military service, John worked at Knowles Atomic Power laboratory in Ballston Spa, NY. From there, he went to work at the University of Chicago nuclear testing site in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Then it was on to Daniel Construction in Greenville, SC. He always enjoyed telling anyone who would listen, he retired four times.

John was predeceased by his wife, Irma; brother, Robert (Sue ), sister, Ann (Fred) Jenkins and sister Joan (Andy) Anderson. He is survived by his daughter, Kirsten; and son, Eric (Kathy). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rachael (Michael), Collin and Megan as well as several nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of the Foothills for their support and care in John’s last journey.

A memorial service will be held Friday September 12 at 1pm at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609.