James Mcfadden Jr

JIM McFADDEN Click here to view Jim's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- James (Jim) Hugh McFadden Jr., 68, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 8, 2009, of complications due to cancer. He died in the same home his family moved into in September, 1968. He had been receiving care from family and friends. Jim was born April 25, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, to James Hugh McFadden and Helen Bertha Martin McFadden. He married Maureen Ann O'Connor on August 8, 1964, in Marion, Iowa. Maureen gave birth to their two children, Robert McFadden in 1965 and Ellen McFadden Morfit in 1969. Jim received a bachelor's degree from Loras College in Dubuque, a master's from the University of Iowa, and a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from Iowa State University. After obtaining his doctorate in 1968, they moved to Idaho Falls, where he had accepted a job working at the National Reactor Testing Station. He later went to work for Energy Incorporated. In October, 1988, he and several partners formed their own corporation, Computer Simulation and Analysis, an engineering consulting firm. Jim served as vice president and later as president before retiring in 1999. He was a member of the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Idaho Falls City Club, the Idaho Conservation League, numerous professional organizations, and the Bonneville County Democratic Party, of which he also served as chairman for a period during the 1970s. In retirement he served on several review boards, including: the Professional Conduct Board for the Idaho State Bar Association; Idaho State Board of Secondary Education Standards; and the grant board for the National Science Foundation He was involved locally in youth soccer, in refereeing as well as coaching teams for both of his children. He enjoyed hiking, travel, golfing, photography and wildlife. He and Maureen took the children on numerous trips to Iowa and New Mexico visiting family, in addition to trips to the East Coast and Europe. After he and Maureen had both retired, they indulged their shared love of travel with memorable trips together and with friends to China, Italy, and a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. They also traveled to Boise and Portland to visit their grandchildren, which brought out the life in Jim. He and Maureen also took advantage of their retirement to spend more time in Jackson and Yellowstone, where he loved observing and photographing wildlife. After Maureen was diagnosed with cancer, Jim gave himself over to her care with a devotion and tenderness that was unmatched. Maureen preceded him in death on November 11, 2008. Their cremated remains will be interred together at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa at a later date. Jim will be remembered for his sharp mind and inquisitive nature. He never stopped learning and was fascinated and involved with the world around him. He and Maureen both passed on to their children a love of art, education, travel, community involvement and the environment. He is survived by his son, Robert and his wife, Lorrie, and their sons, Nick and Matt of Portland, Oregon; daughter, Ellen and her husband, Cameron Morfit, and their daughter, Lucy, of Boise; sister, Mary, of St. Louis; sister, Ann and her husband, Dave McLaughlin, of Iowa City; and two brothers, Tom and his wife, Dotty, and Bob and his wife, Lisa, all of Denver. The family has established the Maureen and Jim McFadden Family Fund to support art and education in southeast Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to this fund through the Idaho Community Foundation at PO Box 8143, Boise, ID 83707 (www.idcomfdn.org) or to the Haven Temporary Shelter at 2480 S. Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2009, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services at Wood Funeral Home. Friends are invited to the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho following the ceremony for a reception to celebrate Jim's life. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Dean and Glenda Berggren Dear Robert and Ellen, With great sadness, I type this note to you. Just a month ago, I spoke to you about your beautiful, highly professional, gracious, and cheery mother. I felt honored to be able to speak to you both, and felt joy in seeing you as adults.Today, I just want to hug you and say that your father was a dear man, too. He was always friendly to Dean and I and very personable. He gave his best to the community as did your mother.You certainly had very talented and special parents, and losing them so close together would be very difficult. As you stand together through your loss on earth, do remember that Jesus is close beside you, embracing you and offering His peace. His grace is amazing even in sad times. You are in my prayers. With love, Glenda Berggren Steve and Sharon Parry sdparry@cableone.net Our deepest condolences. Our family has long admired both Jim and Maureen-- she was the principal at our children's elementary school, and both of them were such important fixtures at Idaho Falls functions. We will miss them. Our love and support to the family. Rich and Pat Hentzen rhentzen@srv.net Our deepest sympathies! There is not much we can say that has not been said. Your parents were wonderful people, a real pleasure to know and to work with. I feel deeply indebted to Jim for his guidance and leadership while we worked together at EI. A real professional in his work, but one that always had that sense of humor that put everything in the proper perspective. Although I spent a lot of time working away from Idaho Falls, it was always nice to know Jim (and Maureen) were doing their good things back here in I.F. We will miss them. Rich Bob Narum robert.narum@verizon.net I was so sad to hear of Jim's death. So soon after losing Maureen. My condolences, Bob Narum Minner, Dr. Gene GMinner@CURTISSWRIGHT.com Dear Family of Jim McFadden, To me, Jim was a role model. He was the magnetic pole for my compass on so many occasions when I was mentally or emotionally torn about some decision facing me. He inspired me to do the right thing, and I always worried that he might think ill of me on occasions when I might make a bad choice. As far as I know, he never did think ill of me. He was a true friend and mentor and a good man of high character. I am grateful for his friendship. The world was a better place with Jim in it. I will miss him. With love, Gene Minner David Deluhery delindbq@mchsi.com I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to everyone in the McFadden family on the passing of Jim. We were good friends throughout high school and college thus shared many experiences together. Our canoe trip to the boundary waters of Minnesota in June of 1962 was one of those times. He will always be remembered. Please contact me when Jim and Maureen are returned to Dubuque. David Deluhery, 1000 Boyer, Dubuque, IA 52001 Jon and Diane Ball DIAB597@CS.COM You have our most sincere condolences. Jim was a fellow classmate and friend, both at Nativity Grade School and at Lora's Academy as we grew up in Debuque, Iowa. He will surely be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May God bless him and his wife. Jane and Tom McLaughlin jmac2230@aol.com "Even Such Is Time" Even such is time that takes in trust Our youth, our joys, our all we have, And pays us but with age and dust, Who in the dark and silent grave, When we have wandered all our ways, Shuts up the story of our days. But from this earth, this grave, this dust, My God shall raise me up, I trust. Sir Walter Ralegh 1608 Robert and Ellen, We know that Jim was taken up immediately into a better place, wherever it might be, and that your mom was waiting there for him. He was just a great guy and we cared a lot for him and feel lucky to have known him. Our thoughts are with you both and your extended family in this heart wrenching time. Jane and Tom Peggy and Larry Duncan lduncan@ida.net Robert and Ellen, May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We pray the love of God enfolds you during your difficult times and he helps you heal with the passage of time. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathies, to both of you and your families! Your mother and father were very wonderful people, a real pleasure to know and to work with. Peggy and Larry Duncan Ann Howell howeanna@isu.edu I attended your father's funeral on Saturday and wanted to add to all the wonderful comments offered by those who respected and loved him. We at Idaho State University had the privilege of working with him on the Higher Ed Advisory Council which he chaired for two years and served on until his recent health problems. He will be missed for his intelligence, wit, reliability, calm good judgment and much, much more. Sincerely, Ann Howell, Idaho State University/Idaho Falls Shelley (Anderson) Gold sgold3@csc.com Ellen and Robert -- Wishing you peace of heart and mind. Ellen--I have very fond memories of your parent's kindness and support for our soccer team through the years. I remember your parents on the sidelines and helping out with carpools. When carpooling with you, I knew we would be listening to classical music both to and from the game. : ) Our parents are one of life's gifts--and treasure them forever, you will. Love and warmest regards to you and your family, Shelley (Anderson) Gold Karina Davis idahofallsdavis@aol.com I got to know Jim and Maureen at the nursing home where Maureen received care. I was a nursing assistant and cared for Maureen. I work now at the hospital and also took Maureen to surgery. I always admired the love Jim and Maureen had for each other. I’m very honored to have met them. Thank you, Karina Davis Anne Freund Ross taross1@msn.com Sending prayers for your family in the loss of your parents and grandparents. I remember your parents fondly through my work as a teacher in Idaho Falls and through my parents, George and Mary Freund. Sending God's blessings to you all. Dane & Sherry Watkins thewatkinsco@cs.com Dear Family, I want to send my condolences on the recent passing of your Father. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great person and his outstanding accomplishments will always be remembered by our community. Sherry and I want you to know that our prayers are with you. Sincerely, Dane Watkins