James Patrick Golden, age 86, of Lyndon Station, formerly of Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at his home. He was born on July 1, 1938, in Chicago, IL, the son of Ignatius and Barbara (Bretreager) Golden. James grew up in Arlington Heights, IL long before it became a booming suburb of more than 65,000 people. His family owned a chicken farm, raising nearly 10,000 chickens accompanied by some dairy cattle.

He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War and served in the Criminal Investigation Division. Upon his honorable discharge, Jim trained at Evanston’s Pivot Point Beauty School and taught styling for two years in Europe. He traveled the world working for many different hair styling companies-one of which was Schwarzkopf. Back in the US, he worked for the Elizabeth Arden Salon in Chicago. James’ passion was crafting hair replacements for cancer patients. He operated a salon in Park Ridge, IL for 28 years and later opened Glenview’s Adare for More Hair, specializing in hair replacement, coloring, perming and styling.

On August 29, 2004, James was united in marriage to Josephine V. Verano in Chicago, IL. In 2018, James and Josephine moved to Lyndon Station, WI. Together they enjoyed spending time on Jim’s tree farm in rural Sauk County, WI. He found tranquility by working in the woods. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Reedsburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Barbara Patricia Golden. James is survived by his wife, Josephine; daughter, Angeline Patricia Golden.

A Mass of Christian Burial for James Golden will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg. Fr. Luke Powers will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, and on Thursday from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM at the service at the church.