Obituary: James B Wade "JB"
James B Wade “JB” 91, of Kinston, NC passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
JB was a devoted family man who put his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather above all. JB was an integral piece of the Kinston community as owner and operator of Wade’s Transmission Service, where he was well respected as a quality automotive care provider for over 60 years. Anyone fortunate enough to have known Mr. Wade knew he gave everything his all with a servant's heart.
Raised with four sisters he was surrounded by girls his whole life, and not only held his own but maintained an even-temper, kind heart, and good sense of humor with them all. JB was an avid nature lover. He enjoyed simply being outside and learning all he could about wildlife, whether by observing firsthand or watching the Nature Channel.
He shared this passion with his grandchildren who have fond memories of fishing and visiting parks and the Nature Center with him. JB was never one to sit still; he loved to “go somewhere”. One of his favorite pastimes was going for a ride. JB was an honorable man, a great mechanic and businessman, and a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend. His kindness, selflessness, and loving spirit will be eternally missed by many.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Emma Lee Wade; father Guy Wade; mother Emma Rouse Wade; four siblings, Margaret Wade Barwick, Edna Wade Howard, Francis Wade Davis, Nina Sandra Wade; and grandson, James Paul Gray. Survivors include his daughters, Carol Wade Connor and husband Butch Connor of Swansboro and Lisa Wade Cauley and husband, Jim Cauley of Cape Carteret; three grandchildren, Emily Jill Gray of Kinston, Emily Carol Cauley-Schulken (Byron) of Clayton, Mary Alexandria Cauley of Raleigh; and two great-grandchildren, Mallory Gray Lane of Raleigh, and Elena Jayne Schulken of Clayton, along with several nieces, nephews and many in-laws who all loved him dearly.
The visitation will be held for friends and family at Howard and Carter Funeral Home, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 with the funeral service to follow. A private Graveside service will be held at Westview Cemetery
