WILMINGTON — James Michael Wade of Wilmington passed away surrounded by his family on Friday June 20, 2025 at the age of 81.
He was born on July 30, 1943 in Fremont, Ohio, the son of the late William Wade and Jeanne Freeh. Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Quatman Wade. She meant the world to Jim and her death was very hard for him.
He led a happy childhood in Lima and Indian Lake, Ohio, with his 4 brothers and sister, He often told stories of his escapades there. Jim earned the nickname Ace due to his ability to master anything he put his mind to. Jim started working young as a caddy and kept moving up at the country club, establishing his lifelong ability to take on more responsibility, as well as his love for the game of golf.
Jim married his high school sweetheart Jacque, and upon graduation from Saint Joseph’s College in Renneselear, Indiana he began working at IBM. He was soon offered a position at Johnson Controls in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he quickly climbed the ladder and eventually became CFO and Vice President. During these years and in later years Jim sat on the board of several investment funds.
Jim took early retirement, and he and Jacque moved to Wilmington, NC in 1992. He decided retirement was not his thing, and became the owner of Jim Wade Homes. Together Jim and Jacque designed, built, and decorated many vacation beach homes in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Jim and Jacque designed and built their final home in Wilmington which was featured on HGTV for its beauty and design. They loved inviting friends and family to stay at the beach homes, and hosted dinners and parties at their own home for visiting relatives.
Jim was an avid golfer, softball player, reader, boat enthusiast, coach, and in later years loved playing bridge. Jim loved time at their lake cottage in Wisconsin with family and friends.
He is survived by his children: Wendy (Bryant) Morton, Amy (Chuck) Ernst, and Jimmy Wade, and grandchildren Bart, Alex, Mimi, Maddie Estelle, Rory, Finnley, and Dexter. The family wishes to thank Colleen for her sweet companionship to Jim.
In honor of the families wishes a private service will be held in Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington. A celebration of life will be help on July 12, 2025 in Wilmington, NC.
Contributions may be sent in his memory to Feline Matchmakers, a cause close to his and Jacque’s heart.
