S.J. Madden

Biography

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts but with a steadfast belief in God’s divine plan that Scott and Mary Beth (Nelson) Madden return their oldest son S.J. to God on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident.

S.J. (Scott James) was born at Genesis East in Davenport, IA on March 11, 2002 to begin the Madden family. S.J. was a sophomore at North Scott High School and was looking forward to his 16th birthday.

S.J.’s short, earthly life was abundant and full; filled with happiness as he generously shared his many talents, skills, quick wit, heart-warming smile and contagious laugh. He was a natural ringleader for the neighborhood, organizing Star War battles, Nerf wars and jail break. He always looked forward to G’pa Camp every summer in Northwest Iowa with his cousins who were his first and forever best friends.

S.J.’s love of life was displayed in many varied arenas. Earning two National Music Gold Cups in piano gave evidence of S.J.’s musical talent. He was preparing to compete in March for his third National Music Gold Cup. He was a member of the North Scott Concert and Marching Band playing trombone. S.J. was a member of the North Scott Bass Clef Chorus and Jazz Choir.

S.J. had the ability to adapt to any persona as evidenced by his participation in a variety of theater productions: A Monster In My Closet, Dorothy in Wonderland, School House Rock, Tales of A 4th Grade Nothing and The Little Mermaid with the role of Flounder. His final performance would have been this weekend in North Scott’s production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe as Mr. Beaver. His acting ability earned him induction into the International Thespian Society 739 on May 22, 2017.

S.J. had a passion for learning especially in the subject of history. He and friend Nathan competed in National History Day competitions earning a state qualification berth in 2017 for their website. He received the President’s Outstanding Academic Excellence in 2015 and 2016; Learning Lancer award during his junior high years and continued academic excellence in his high school years.

On December 21, 2017, S. J. achieved the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program with the honor of an Eagle Scout.

S.J. was an active member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church where he was baptized and received his first Eucharist. He was a faithful member of the youth choir and a leader in the Faith Formation program as well as a Mass server.

S.J. played for the North Scott Team in the Dad’s Club Soccer League and concluded with S.J. officiating matches and mentoring young, beginning players.

And we would be remised if we did not mention S.J’s love of Stars Wars & Legos. He was an avid collector-and we do mean collector-of both and his imagination proved infinite.

S.J.’s quiet personality amassed a large circle of friends who will miss him greatly. He will forever be loved and remembered by his parents, Scott and Mary Beth, siblings Seth and Charlotte; grandparents Pete and Wava Madden and Dick and Anne Marie Nelson; aunts and uncles Melissa and Mark Gross, Ric and Andrea Nelson, Traci and Culley Holm and Bruce and Jana Nelson as well as 18 first cousins. Waiting to welcome S.J. in heaven are his paternal and maternal great grandparents James and Helen Madden, Leora and R.C. Holcomb, Bill Schany and Monica Schany, Charles and Edna Nelson.

Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial for Scott James "S.J." Madden, Jr., will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 19, 2018 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 16550-290th Street, Long Grove. Burial will take place in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Long Grove. The family will greet friends from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the S.J. Madden Memorial Fund to benefit the Lancer Legacy Fund or St. Ann’s Youth.

Visitation

Sunday February 18, 2018 , 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM at St. Ann's Catholic Church

Mass of Christian Burial

Monday February 19, 2018 , 10:00 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church