Kenneth James Wade II

Kenneth James Wade II, born March 2, 1979, passed away on November 15, 2024. James is lovingly survived by his wife, Rebekka (Beka) Wade and his son, Kenneth (Kent) James Wade III.
James grew up in Tallahassee, Florida and attended Leon High School where he found his love of music and performing while participating in the Guitar Program and Student Ministries. He kept his classmates laughing with his quick wit and wonderful fun-loving personality. James was a founding member of Canopy Roads Baptist Church where he shared his love of guitar through the Praise Band and as a Youth Leader. James met the love of his life, his precious Beka, working in Child Evangelism Summer Missions and they married in 2001. In 2014, they welcomed their son, Kent, who was the best gift they ever received. Kent was the apple of James' eye and shared a love of Voltron, He-Man, Legos, music, MST3K and dad jokes.
James graduated from Florida State University with a B.A. in Communications and a Master's of Integrated Marketing and Telecommunications Management. Having grown up in Tallahassee, in a Seminole family, and having obtained two degrees from FSU, James was a most ardent fan through winning and losing seasons, in spite of this one. James funneled his love of Florida into his job with Visit Florida as a Network Engineer for the last 16 years. James was a "Renaissance man," loving learning, music, travel, reading, and above all else his family. James also was known to bust out some sick dance moves on occasion.
James is survived by his parents, Kenneth James Wade and Pamela Newton Wade of Tallahassee, FL; his brother, Joseph Wade and his wife Melissa, their children Jonathan and Aaron of Clifton, VA; and his sister, Elizabeth Wade Doster and husband John, their children Judah, Knox and Hailey of Ponte Vedra, FL. He is also survived by his Father and Mother-in-law, Steve and Thereasa Keith Keene, of Otter Creek, FL; his sister-in-law, Bessie Keene of Otter Creek, FL; and his brother-in-law Steve Keene and his wife Beth of Bronson, FL; his Brother-in-law Rusty Keene and his wife Kristina, their children Manny, Sam, and Abby of Williston, FL; his Grandfather and Grandmother-in-law Gene and Tuelah Keith of Newberry, FL.
James grew up as he so lovingly referred to it on The Compound, next door to his maternal aunt and family, Nancy Newton Ferguson and husband Bill, sharing many happy experiences with his cousins Jennifer Ferguson McFarland, William Ferguson, and Andrew Ferguson. He is also survived by paternal aunts, Laura Wade Bauer, Carro Leigh Wade Scott, and Sherry Wade Petrucelli and his paternal uncle, David McLaurin, as well as many of his and Beka's cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Palmer Newton and Marilyn Brinkley Newton and his paternal grandparents, Ausley Wade and Betty Lou Wade Padgett.
A Celebration of James' life will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11a.m. at East Hill Baptist Church, 912 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL. Visitation with the family will be at 10 a.m. downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to his son Kent Wade (Kenneth James Wade III) to honor James' legacy. Donations may be mailed to First Commerce Credit Union PO Box 6416 c/o Melanie Terry Tallahassee, FL 32314.
James touched all of our lives with his joy, light and laughter. This exceptional son, husband, father, brother, and friend will be grievously missed, and never forgotten.
I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.
John 11: 25
Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Wade family with their arrangements.