Madis, John James

John James Madis, 76, of Blacksburg, Virginia departed this life suddenly on July 7, 2023. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. Born in Brooklyn, NY on October 19, 1946, he was raised in Fair Lawn, NJ and went to Fair Lawn High School where he was on the debate team. His parents were Nick (Nicholas) and Hedy (Hedwig) Madis.

He is survived by his brother, Mark Madis of New York State, his wife of 51 years, Mary Madis of Blacksburg, Virginia, his daughter, Regan McIntyre of Woodbridge, Virginia, and her children, Kade and Ella McIntyre.

John graduated from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He worked as a color chemist in New Jersey and then went to work for Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia as the manager of the chemistry stockroom and then the chemistry safety officer (for over 30 years). In later years he worked at the Corporate Research Center at T2I2.

John enjoyed riding motorcycles when younger and he had a life-long love of hunting and fishing. He competed in Judo while in high school and then played racquetball while working at Virginia Tech. He was especially fond of dogs and travel. His father was from Greece and his mother was from Austria, so he loved to travel to Europe. He also liked listening to music.

John was known for being a generous friend. No one would do more when it came to his friends. He never met a stranger. It is what we remember most about him. He is missed.

A memorial service or celebration of life will occur sometime in the future.