James S. Madara, 76, of Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Sandra (Maddox) Madara to whom he was married to for 56 years. Born in Lancaster, PA, he was the son of the late Stuart and Ardell (Betz) Madara.
Jim was a graduate of Elizabethtown Highschool in 1963 and from Millersville University in January 1969. He was actively involved in PSEA for many years and was a senior member of Technological Investors Stock Club.
Jim proudly spent most of his professional career at Hempfield High School as an educator from 1969-2004.
In his spare time, Jim enjoyed playing cards, going on cruises, cheering for the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles as well as his beloved Notre Dame. Most of all however he enjoyed spending time with his family especially his adoring grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Sandy, he is survived by his children, Brian Madara (husband of Cindy), Jeffrey J. Madara (husband of Heather) and Kathleen H. Auker (wife of Sean); six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving is a brother, Jeffrey S. Madara (husband of Michelle).
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602. A closed casket visitation will be held on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. An open casket viewing will occur the evening prior on Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM also at the funeral home. Interment will be private in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) at: https://www.nctm.org/support-us/ To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.DeBordSnyder.com
Scott and Yessy Maddox says
Praying for you during this time of loss. Please find consolation in God Almighty knowing that Jim was a wonderful person surrounded by family and friends throughout his life. A life filled with happiness, joy and much love. May he rest in peace.
Martin Rohrbach says
My condolences to the Madara family, and friends of Jim.
Jerry Madara says
Please accept my condolences for the passing of James Madara. I have many happy memories of my childhood visits to E-town and playing with family…and his brother Jeff. I will always remember Jim fondly.
Kathy Madara White says
Jack and I are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. We know Jim will be missed by his family and friends.
I recall visiting my Uncle Stu and Aunt Adele in Elizabethtown so many times as a child. ‘Jimmy Stu” and Jeff were such fun as cousins. I will keep these memories close.
James Madara says
My sincere condolences to the family of James Madara, known affectionately to my family as Jimmy Stu. I have many fond memories of Jim driving me around E-town along every back road in his old Chevy.
James G Madara
“Jimmy George”
Michele fleet/Darlene Zimmerman says
Our sincere condolences to the family of James Madara.
The impact he had on teacher’s lives through his
Leadership and friendship in PSEA will always be remembered.
He will be greatly missed.
Michele Fleet & Darlene Zimmerman
Connie Kondravy says
Jim was a bright man; he was a caring teacher, and a kind friend, Connie R. Kondravy
Joel Kettering says
Jim, your contributions as educator and PSEA Rep. had a positive impact on many. You will be missed by all who knew and worked with you.
Marcia Trach says
My sympathies are with your family at this time. I worked with Jim through HEA where he listen carefully and helped so many teachers. He will be remembered by both teachers and students .
Marcia Trach
Allen Mellinger says
With fond memories of Jim as an esteemed colleague, fellow club member and good friend.
Sue Clements says
My thoughts are with the Madara family. Jim was a great colleague. He was always willing to help anyone who needed his advice in regard to HEA matters.
Douglas Webb says
Jim was a kind and gentle man. He was widely respected as a math teacher at Hempfield High School for many years. I served with Jim on the Hempfield Education Association’s Negotiations Team during the negotiations of several teacher contracts. He was either the President of the association, or the chief negotiator during those negotiations. We did not always see eye to eye about this or that contractual issue. However, I always respected his efforts. He had a wisdom and demeanor that provided a model for this then young, now retired teacher, as well as undoubtedly for his other colleagues and students. I am saddened by his passing. My sincere condolences to his family. May your many fond memories of Jim, at least partially, assuage the grief of his passing…
Melissa Byers says
I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We were colleagues at Hempfield High School, and he helped me immensely as my union representative, and even after he left that position. I could always go to Jim for good advice as I traversed the educational landscape. I’m so happy we had the chance to reconnect through Facebook in recent years. My heart goes out to Sandy and the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jim made a difference in the world in so many ways, and he will be deeply missed.
Fran Dodson-Katras says
With deepest sympathy. Thinking of you and hoping you find comfort and strength at this very sad and difficult time.
Change of Pace sisterhood says
Dear sister Sandy,
We extend our deep condolences to you and your family. Your precious Jim, whom you loved and prayed for, is no longer with us and is surely missed. Be assured your sisters in Christ are standing with you in love and prayers.
Prayerfully yours,
Your Change of Pace sisters
Tom and Deb Brosey says
So sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you.
Tom and Deb Brosey says
So sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you.
Michael Lehmier says
Please know that my thoughts are with the Madara family. Jim was a voice of reason for HEA during his many years as a leader. I learned a lot from him during the time we worked together, and I will always think fondly of him.
Melissa says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr Madera was so great to me as a senior at Hempfield and I’ve never forgotten that.
Steph Mengel says
Dear Sandy
We are very sad to know that Jim is gone. Mom and I were just remembering that he was 12 yrs older than me and 12 yrs younger than her.
And it is too soon for him to go on to heaven.
We’re sorry – to you and the kids and the whole family.
With love,
Steph (Mengel)and Ed Whereat
John Sullivan says
I am sorry for your loss. I knew Jim from PSEA functions were we both represented our respective schools. Jim was a dedicated advocate for teachers and our profession. His calm manner often masked his fierce focus on issues at hand. It seemed that his math background helped him get to the point with few words and concentrated effort to remedy any problem. Although I have not seen Jim in years , his friendship will not be forgotten by those of us who worked with him.
John Sullivan
Penn Manor Education Association
Jim and Sue Albright says
Thoughts and prayers from our family to the Madara family. Jim was my cooperating teacher when I did my student teaching at Hempfield back in 1976. He was a leader for many years in the HEA. And, a dedicated husband and father for over 56 years. Thank you Jim , for showing me the way as an educator and father – you will be missed.
Jim and Sue Albright