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Longtime Ship Island volunteer Jack Madison remembered for a life of service

Longtime Ship Island volunteer Jack Madison remembered for a life of service Visitors to Ship Island may have seen Madison sharing the history of Fort Massachusetts during island trips. (wlox)
By WLOX Staff

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Jack Madison, a World War II and Korean War veteran who spent more than 30 years volunteering with the National Park Service at Fort Massachusetts, died April 10.

Madison volunteered with the National Park Service, sharing the rich history of Fort Massachusetts with visitors. (wlox)

Visitors to Ship Island may have seen Madison sharing the history of Fort Massachusetts during island trips. Visitors often said that you could hear the passion in Madison’s voice when he spoke about Mississippi’s Coast.

Madison gave tours up until his 100th birthday in July 2025.

Last year, the city of Biloxi proclaimed July 11 as Jack Madison Day in honor of his 100th birthday.

During his celebration, Jack was honored with a proclamation from the mayor of Biloxi, declaring July 11th as Jack Madison Day. He was also presented with a folded American flag, a Quilt of Valor for his service in World War II and the Korean War, and a birthday cake as visitors sang to him. (wlox)

A Celebration of Life for Madison will be held on Thursday, April 23, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi.

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