James J. Madden Jr. (November 21, 1940 – November 1, 2020) was a first generation American born to Irish immigrant parents, James J and Susan (nee Lannon) Madden of Washington D.C. and the oldest of their three children (brother, John P. Madden of Chevy Chase, MD passed away December 20, 2002 and sister, Suzanne Madden Holt resides in Silver Springs, MD).

Growing up in D.C, Jim attended St. John’s College High School and went on to graduate from Georgetown University and Georgetown University Medical School in 1966 which began his long profession in medicine and academics. Throughout his life, he was an excellent student with a passion for reading and as a youth, he was an ace handball and squash player.

Upon graduation from medical school, he and his young bride, Patricia (nee O’Brien), moved to Charlottesville, Va., to begin his medical career as an intern at The University of Virginia Hospital and start their family welcoming both of their children, Peter (’67) and Christina (’69). His time in Charlottesville and at The University of Virginia helped to cement his love of history, horses, and medicine. It was there that he knew plastic surgery was the route he wanted to pursue.

Jim entered the military as major in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, TX at Lackland Air Force Base before moving to Atlanta, GA and Emory University in 1975 where he joined as resident in plastic surgery. His final move brought the family to Nashville in 1976 as co-chief resident and professor in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at Vanderbilt University.

Jim began his private practice in plastic surgery in 1982 and retired in 2005. He subsequently volunteered with the VUMC Plastic Surgery department where he taught and practiced until 2015. Jim loved to teach and care for those around him whether they be family, patients, students, nurses or fellow physicians. He would always make time to listen and offer help. He enjoyed so much the opportunity to share his knowledge and medical expertise with his fellow physicians, especially those in residency. He wanted them to have the surgery time and knowledge they needed to be the very best.

Upon retirement, Jim cared for his wife, Patricia, who preceded him in death on November 7, 2017. Pat and Jim celebrated 51 years of marriage prior to her death and he loved and missed her very much in the last three years without her. He found comfort being with his children and their spouses, traveling and visiting with family. Ever the avid learner he continued to study and read.

He is survived by his son, Peter (Lisa) Madden of Nashville and daughter, Christina (Brian) White of Primm Springs, TN; and his sister, Suzanne Madden Holt of Silver Springs, MD.

In lieu of flowers, please support a charity that is meaningful to you.