Obituary: James Wade

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

James Wade, 77, a resident of Houghton, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay following a short illness.

He was born on January 24, 1947, in Hancock, MI, a son of the late James D. and Gloria (Schutz) Wade.  Jim was raised in Houghton and attended St. Ignatius Catholic School and was a graduate of the Houghton High School with the class of 1965. He played football for Houghton High School and played hockey on the Laurn Grove Team that won the US Championship in 1964.

Mr. Wade was a veteran having served with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the VFW Post 6165 and a member of the American Legion Post 186 in Hancock.

James was united in marriage to the former Ruth Ardenault and they had three children before parting as friends.  In 1985, he was united in marriage to the former Donna Tinsley and the couple made their home in Houghton for many years.   

Following the service, Jim began a career working for Upper Peninsula Power Company retiring after 30 years of service as a Gas Turbine Technician.  He had also owned and operated the B&B Bar in Houghton for many years where he made many friends and shared many stories.  He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and season ticket holder who attended every home game for 17 years in a row. He was fortunate to attend 2 Packer Superbowl games in New Orleans and San Francisco with his best buddy Keith Mugford. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed visiting with his family and friends over a beverage and pickled egg. He was a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Janelle Siller, and his son Michael Mickalich.

Surviving are:

                  His wife: Donna Wade

                  His children: Jason Wade

                                                      Chris (Tiffany) Wade

                                                      Brandy Wade

                                                      Kelly (Pete) Canfield

                                                      Jimmy (Tracie) Godfried

                  His grandchildren: Tony, Andrea, Hailey, Trevor, Jessica, Megan and Hunter

                  5 great-grandchildren

                  His siblings: Don (Theresa) Wade

                                                      Ron (Karen) Wade

                                                      Pete (Masako) Wade

                  His niece & nephews: Alicia (Todd) McEllis

                                                                        Connor Wade

                                                                        Dallas Wade

                  His In-laws: Joe Siller

                                                      Mark & Nancy Tinsley

                                                      Gail (John) Baima

                                                      Tina Klosky

                                                      Margie Bevel

                  Numerous cousins

     A prayer service for Jim will be held 12:00 pm Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range with Fr. John Martignon to officiate.  Military honors will be conducted by the Copper Country Vets.

Friends may call on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 10 am until the time of services at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Houghton Football Association, Range VFW, or American Legion in Hancock in memory of Jim.

To view Jim’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements.