James C. Bade

1939 - 2025

James C. Bade

May 9, 1939 - September 27, 2025

James Curtis Bade, known to friends and family as "Jim", was born on May 9, 1939, in the Town of Belvidere, Buffalo County, WI. He passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at Comforts of Home in Menomonie, WI.

Jim grew up in the Cochrane area, where he attended Cochrane High School. He played basketball for the Indians and was one of the "Firehouse Five" leading the team to many wins. Jim also excelled on the baseball team, playing varsity in both sports. Jim continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire earning a BS in Math, also playing basketball and baseball earning a spot in the University's Hall of Fame for his awesome contribution to the basketball team. He later completed his Masters in Media Tech.

Jim entered Navy Officer's Training at Newport, RI after graduation, receiving his commission for 18 months aboard the USS Shangri-La aircraft carrier which included an 8 month tour of the Mediterranean Sea. His next 18 month assignment was the Naval Space Surveillance System Command in Dahlgren, VA. Jim was discharged from active duty after his 3 year service and continued in the Naval Reserves for a total of 26 years before retiring as a Lt. Commander.

Jim married Patsy (Wenger Merrimack) July 22, 1965 in Annandale, VA, and moved his wife and 3 step children to Blair, Wisconsin to begin a 10 year career teaching math and coaching basketball. He led the 1973 basketball team to the State Championship. Next stop on the career path was teaching and coaching at Menomonie High School. His coaching career lasted 11 years before he retired in 1986 having many good seasons. He continued to teach until retiring in 1995.

Jim filled his new free time golfing, fishing, hunting, establishing beautiful flower gardens, honing his photography skills and learning a new craft of wildlife wood carving. He entered his work in many competitive carving shows earning many blue ribbons and community recognition.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Pat, their children Marjorie Dunn, Kathryn (Jon) Sonderup, Linda (Tom) Wendt, daughter-in-law Jodi Merrimack, ten grandchildren, Nicholas, Christopher, Andrew, Stephanie, Lindsay, Kevin, Aimee, Paul, Benjamin, Georgette, 11 great grandchildren, and his sister Carol (James) Kent.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Olivia, brother Gerald and son John Merrimack.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday October11, 2025 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI with Pastor George Schrader officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service with a luncheon to follow. Military Honors will be performed by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard outside the funeral home after the service.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com