With heavy hearts, we share the passing of James Michael Madson of Malad City, ID.
Here is the shape of a life remembered with love.
James held deeply to the Latter-day Saints faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
What James believed shaped how he loved.
James Michael Madson went to heaven on May 1st, 2026. He was born on September 18, 1941, the oldest of five sons to James and Idonna Nuttall Madson in Malad, Idaho.Mike grew up on the Elkhorn Ranch and spent every summer working with his Dad and also having a side job. His parents eventually moved into Malad for the school year.In June 1963, Mike married Cheryl Vanderwood, and they moved to Salt Lake City, where Mike had begun working for IBM. He retired after 32 years with IBM. His first daughter was born in Salt Lake City. Mike and Cheryl then moved to Ogden because Mike wanted to work in a smaller town. After moving to Ogden, they had three more daughters. Oh, how he loved his girls!Mike and Cheryl purchased a home in Malad in 1979, and in 2015, they permanently retired to Malad, where Mike had always wanted to be and where his heart had never left.In March of 1965, Mike and Cheryl were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Mike was devoted to the LDS faith and held many positions in the church, including the Elders Quorum presidency, Sunday School presidency, and Boy Scouts. He was also a long-time member of the Lions Club.Mike is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of Malad, daughters, Mia (Corey) Crompton, Vineyard, UT, and Malad; Rheo Ann (Mick) Rhees, Eureka Springs, AR; Catherine (Nate) Harmston, Uintah, UT, and Malad; Laurel Madson Lawson, Tacoma, WA. Mike and Cheryl were blessed with ten grandchildren and four bonus grandchildren. They have one great-grandchild, two more on the way, and three sweet bonus great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his four brothers, Clark, Craig, Stacey, and Perry.Mike made many friends on his sojourn here on Earth; some have passed, and he will be happy to visit with them again.A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 8th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Malad Stake Center. Location of services: 1250 N. 1100 W., Malad City, Idaho. For those unable to attend the services in person, a live stream will be available below in the service section.The family would like to thank the Symbii hospice team, especially Tammy Glenn, for the dignified care they delivered. To share a favorite memory of Mike or to offer condolences to the family, please leave a tribute on this page.
