James L. Maddix, age 88, passed away on August 24, 2017.
James was born 22 April 1929 in Fiborn Quarry, Michigan. Raised in Rexton, Michigan. Attended St. Ignace High School, earning a varsity letter in football and the music award for band, graduating in 1947. Worked for Soo Line Railroad and A&P Grocery as meat cutter. Met the love of his life, Martha, in 1946, and married her in 1949. Had 4 children – James, Chris, David, and Rebecca. Served 4 years in the US Navy, April 1948 – April 1952, discharged as Petty Officer Second Class. Mason City Police 1958-1962; Special Deputy Sheriff, Ingham County for 39 years; retired from State of Michigan having worked as Michigan State Police, Employment Counselor, Licensing and Regulation and the Bureau of Lottery as an investigator. Received Certificate of Professional Excellence from Michigan State Police. Taught at Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan, for 12 years (meat cutting). Served 12 years as Boy Scout Master, Troop 62, Mason Michigan. -17 scouts became Eagle, including our sons. Made two trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Son David became the first to receive the award of Tenderfoot at a National Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Member, Order of the Arrow; 4th Degree Member, Council 2781, Knights of Columbus; Grand Knight 2002-2004, Navigator 2006-2008; Life member, American Legion, St. Ignace Post, and Commander, Post 148, Mason, Michigan; Life member, Mason Chapter of Eastern Star, Gaylord Masonic Lodge, and ZCBJ Lodge, Bannister, Michigan. Past President, MSEA Chapter 124; member and Eucharistic Minister, St. Mary Cathedral. Lake Arrowhead Board of Directors for 30 years; president for 5 terms. Otsego County Planning Commission and Fire Board. Vice Chairman, Sault St Marie tribe, Chippewa Indians. Indian name Kitchie Wantasid (Big Paw). Voice of the Great Spirit prayer for many years on 101.5 radio in Gaylord, Michigan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 11:00 AM from St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary Cathedral on Saturday (August 26) from 9:00 AM until the time of services. St. Mary Knights of Columbus will offer a rosary, at the cathedral on Saturday morning (August 26) at 9:00 AM.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
