James Q. Wade Jr.

James Quitman Wade Jr.

   It was hard not to notice when Big Jim walked into a room – not because of his size, but rather the size of his character. It generally took less than three minutes for someone in his path to find themselves trying to control their snickering or flat out laughing. No one was ever a stranger for long around Jim.

   His public persona was full of vigor, head-first adventure and a lion’s share of mischief. His private persona was always up for a good time, service-oriented and dedicated to those he loved.

   Big Jim cherished spending time with his friends and family, especially during the holidays. Growing up in Clanton, after graduating from Chilton County High School, he attended The University of Alabama and remained an avid fan of the Crimson Tide football team. Jim was a Brother of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity - Alabama Alpha, a lifelong entrepreneur, BBQ master and purveyor of those legendary southern peanuts. He was a 20-year member of Rotary Club of Encinitas, culminating in a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions. He was funny, quick witted, loved by all who knew him and never met a stranger.

   Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Susan Wade of Carlsbad, CA; three sons, James Q. Wade III and his wife Jaime of Del Mar, CA, David P. Wade of Carlsbad, CA and John W. Wade and his wife Nikki of Tuscaloosa, AL.; three stepdaughters Jill Orsini, Carey Tinsley and Stacy Tinsley of San Diego, CA; three grandchildren, Brody Wade, Lillian Wade and Jack Wade; five step grandchildren; and sister Julie Howson of Tucker, GA. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Quitman Wade, Sr. and Kathryn Hayes Wade; and two sisters, Melinda Hancock and Kathryn Wade.

   A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. in Carlsbad, CA for James “Big Jim” Quitman Wade Jr.,74, who peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at his home in Carlsbad, CA with family and friends by his side.

   Memorial contributions can be made in Big Jim Wade’s name to The Elizabeth Hospice or Rotary Club of Encinitas (checks made payable to the Encinitas Rotary Foundation, designated "In memory of Jim Wade" and sent to Encinitas Rotary, PO Box 230223, Encinitas, CA 92023-0223), or a charity of your choice.

   The Wade family extends a heartfelt appreciation to his best friend of 53 years, Marcus Katz, his childhood friend, Joe Mark Maddox, and his ‘Home Team’ brothers and sisters from Rotary. Thank you to The Elizabeth Hospice team for their compassion and dedication to the care and well-being of Big Jim at the end of his life journey.  Additional details can be found on Big Jim's Caring Bridge Page.

   As Jim ended all communications…Roll Tide!

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