James Holleran, a longtime cosmetics industry member, passed away on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, at the age of 59.
With a degree in chemistry, Holleran spent nearly two decades in the industry. Initially, he worked with Amerchol and Dow Chemical. Later, he joined Jarchem Industries.
Holleran also was well-known as the acting executive vice president of the Madison Holleran Foundation, which he founded to help raise suicide awareness after the shocking 2014 death of his daughter, Madison. According to a report by NorthJersey.com, this drew attention to the pressures of transitioning students from high school to college.
Holleran reportedly spoke openly about the mental health challenges his daughter faced and urged others facing similar challenges to seek help. The story drew national attention with the publication of the book, "What Made Maddy Run: The Secret Struggles and Tragic Death of an All-American Teen," by Kate Fagan.
Holleran stepped back from his role in recent months to focus on health issues, as he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Also according to NorthJersey.com, a Facebook statement from the foundation shared that while he was in rehabilitation, he was diagnosed with COVID-19; it did not state whether this was the cause of his death.
