James Bernard Wade

Jim Wade, beloved husband, father, grandfather, faithful friend Born: 2-17-1958 Died: 8-6-2025

On February 17, 1958, Jim was born “James Bernard Wade” in Dennison, Ohio, the fourth of five sons to Rocky and Sharon (Mardis) Wade. In 1964, the Wades moved to Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where neighborhood friends experienced the early years of Jim’s larger-than-life, energetic personality. A natural-born leader and loyal friend, he was adventurous, resourceful, and fun. He attended St. Pius X and Reynoldsburg High School, where he excelled on the Raiders’ basketball court, exhibiting the tenacity and passion that would serve him well later in adulthood.

In 1980, Jim married high school sweetheart, Terry Frank, “the love of his life.” Together, they spent the next four decades building a full but very blessed life and recently celebrated their 50th Christmas together. A totally dedicated Dad, Jim once called their two sons, Colton and Kyle, “the flame on his candle”, later brightened even further by his granddaughter Addison.

Jim began his professional career in the 1980’s as a Journeyman Carpenter and drywall hanger with the Carpenters and Joiners Local #200, working on the original Ronald McDonald House and James Cancer Hospital, Huntington Plaza, William Green Building (Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Comp), The Great Southern Hotel and numerous other Columbus, Ohio landmarks and historical renovations.

In 1990, armed with a God-given confident drive and a keen business sense, Jim founded his own construction company, Correct Custom Drywall, raising the bar in the local homebuilding industry with his “strive for excellence” commitment to both his trade and to his employees. Additionally, in 1997, Jim owned and operated BKW Drywall Supply, named for the beloved grandfather to whom Jim credits for showing him integrity and an unbreakable work ethic. A three-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Construction finalist, Jim never asked more of anyone than he would ask of himself, always keeping the company’s and his personal standards high. And in 30 years as CEO in an unpredictable, volatile industry, he made sure that he never defaulted on his employees’ weekly payroll.

With a consistent desire to make life better, Jim served on Reynoldsburg’s Planning Commission, followed by a four-year elected Councilman’s seat, serving with unwavering commitment to his constituents from 2000 to 2004. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

A high achiever and avid outdoorsman, Jim created The Sanctuary, Too, a beautiful private deer hunting preserve in Licking County. In addition, he ran The Wade Cattle Company and Ohio Pro Bucks.

Ultimately, Jim’s favorite and most important roles were Husband and Dad. Hands-on and nurturing, he enjoyed being a Cub/Boy Scout Leader; and an assistant baseball and football coach on his sons’ teams in the Reynoldsburg Rec Leagues. Despite his many other achievements and time commitments, Jim never missed a school concert, a game, a graduation, a birthday party, or a wedding anniversary. His family came first, and he loved and cared for them with the same passion he applied to everything he did. Jim loved travelling, camping, fishing, hunting, and motorcycling with his family and closest friends. He loved the Lord and had a heart of gold. He delighted in blessing others and paying it forward to family, friends, or strangers, never forgetting the financial hardships that Terry and he had endured and overcome in their early years of marriage.

On August 6 of this year, Jim reached the end of an 8-year long health battle, defeating sinus cancer in 2017, but wrestling with a plethora of chronic health issues and enduring multiple major surgeries. Daily, he pushed through life with amazing courage, strength, humor, and resolve, working on his farm and enjoying his beloved family and friends’ company to the very end. He was 67 years old.

Jim, until we see you again in Heaven, you will be tremendously missed by those you loved & had to leave behind. Soulmate and loving wife of 45 years Terry; beloved sons, Colton (Emily) & Kyle; precious granddaughters Addison and Baby Girl due in November; Wade brothers Mike (Jean), Jeff (Dina). Also Paul and Bob Wade. Family on Terry’s side - Frank family: Sister Tina (Susan), Brothers Tony (Laurie), and Tim (Michelle). Nieces Tiffany (Joe) Ampe, Lisa (Randy) Van Winkle, Cole Frank, and Madison (Ben) Johns. Nephews Brandon (Jacqueline), Darren (Lilly), and Tyler Frank; Jeffrey and Nicholas Wade. Longtime friends and neighbors: Krauskopfs, Stonerocks, Campbells, Bazars, DiYannis, Messerlys, Russells, Saums, Windnagels, Downings, and McHaffeys. Close friends & companions: Dugans, Duffees, Wadsworths, Smiths, and Floras.

A Celebration of Jim’s life was held recently for family and close friends; cremation was expertly handled by Leaf Cremation.

If you would like to donate to one of Jim’s favorite charities in his name, please accept his family’s sincere appreciation in advance.

www.innocenceproject.org

40 Worth Street Room 701

New York, NY 10013-2994

Mid-Ohio Food Bank

3960 Brookham Drive

Grove City, OH 43123

mofb.org

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Of Central Ohio

711 E Livingston Avenue

Columbus, OH 43205

614-227-3700