James Oliver Golden

The Honorable James Oliver Golden passed away peacefully at his Las Vegas home on March 7, 2011 at the age of 85. He is survived by his beloved wife, Persia Schmidt Golden, and scores of friends who will forever remember him as a man of integrity, modesty, and character. A native of Wisconsin, James served with distinction as a combat photographer in the U.S Marine Corps, surviving five landings in some of the most dangerous conflicts in the South Pacific during World War II. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in 1950, James functioned as a Special Agent in the White House detail of the U.S Secret Service under Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon. President John F. Kennedy appointed him diplomatic envoy to the Philippines for the purpose of implementing the final restitution to that nation following World War II. James then went into corporate life as a senior executive for Lockheed, Resorts International, and Hughes Tool Company. He returned to Washington to head up a Justice Department task force, taking leave to oversee of the Inaugural Ceremony for President Ronald Reagan in 1982. Following James' illustrious career, he and his, Persia, retired to Las Vegas. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Wednesday, March 9 at Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services, 3975 S. Durango Dr., #104, 89147. Funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, March 10 at the Southern Nevada Veterans Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd, Boulder City.