James W. Wade

Mr. James W. Wade, Sr. was born in Laurel Hill, North Carolina on November 30, 1945, the oldest of ten children born to the late Sylvester Wade and Maehentz (Simon) Wade. To cherish his memory James leaves his loving wife of 18 years Sandra (Joseph) Wade, his son Nathaniel Johnson Sr, his grandchildren Nathaniel Johnson Jr. and Yanina Johnson, his daughter-in-law Theresa, his grandson Ethan: His goddaughter Metika Jones, his kind and passionate sister-in-law Linda Wade

James also leaves behind five stepchildren: Pontaya, Mr. Rodney Ruff, Leysa, Tammy, Jason, and Leona; thirteen step grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his siblings John, Benjamin, Jeffrey, Karen, and Cynthia; a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins; and his pride and joys, Barbara Ann Pegues and Doris Massey of Laurinburg, North Carolina, and Henrietta Page of Palm Beach, Florida. He was predeceased by his son, James Wade, Jr., and his siblings, Deborah, Charles, Alex, and Donna Wade.

James’s family relocated to Boston from North Carolina when he was seven years old. He attended elementary school in Roxbury and junior high in South Boston and received his diploma from Boston Trade School. He held various jobs, from parking attendant to meat cutter for some of the busiest companies in Boston. James decided to make a career in meat cutting when Jake, the owner of the butcher shop where he worked, took him under his wing and taught him the trade.

 James learned the skills of the job with no formal education and became an expert butcher, preparing cuts of meat and packaging meat for retail sale. Known to customers as “Jim,” he was well known for his unique style in cutting and preparing meat and poultry in inner city supermarkets and at private parties. In 2014 he retired from Sav-a-Lot. In 2019 he began working for Boston Public Schools as a custodian, a position from which he retired in 2022.

In 2004, at his mother’s suggestion, James attended a city-wide Gospel Meeting at the Strand Theater in Dorchester. Once he heard the truth, he was baptized into Christ and began serving at the Church of Christ in Roxbury. He never looked back. During the day he studied God’s promises and felt the relief of knowing where he would spend eternity if he remained faithful. In January 2005, the love of his life, Sandra, was baptized into Christ at the Church of Christ in Roxbury. They were united in marriage on March 19, 2005. The brethren at the Roxbury congregation became their church family and welcomed them with open arms.

James joined the Mature in Heart Ministry and sang in the congregation’s Adult Gospel Chorus. He was co-host of the prayer group that met once a week at the church building until the onset of COVID-19. The Church of Christ in Roxbury taught him the true character of ministry and a servant’s heart. On June 17, 2018, he became an ordained Deacon. He loved serving the church in different capacities, including giving rides to members as needed. His goal was to bring his family to Christ, and his two sons, James, and Nathaniel, obeyed the gospel.

The church leadership and deacons were supportive as they taught the Bible with understanding and answered all questions. James talked about them not backing down or watering down the word, instead they showed him how to move forward in grace and mercy. They would listen and encourage him on this journey; he could count on them no matter what. He enjoyed reading the Bible and sharing God’s word with others. Many nights he could be heard singing and praying until the wee hours of the night.

From a young age James showed an interest in Martial Arts. In 1983 he became qualified by the United States Ju-Jitsu Association to hold the Ju-jitsu Black Belt rank of Dodan. In 2002, James joined the All Traditional Ju-Jitsu Society in Dedham and completed the necessary mental, technical, and physical requirements of traditional combat Ju-Jitsu and was awarded the rank of Hachidan Ju-jitsu. In 2014 he was awarded the Rank of Ku-Dan Ju- Jitsu. Throughout his career he achieved many ranks and awards and earned the name Sensei Wade and Grandmaster. He was a serious teacher and taught people from all walks of life that wanted to learn. He taught most of his classes in Dedham. The president of Cape Verde invited James and his longtime partner Silva twice to train and put on exhibitions to sellout crowds.  

Special Thanks: Silva, his longtime partner and dedicated friend, One Punch Boxing Club, Rodney Best, Tremayne Cross, Nathaniel Davis, and Jean Transtamar.

We thank God for the Church of Christ in Roxbury their spiritual leadership, and the Publications and Mature in Heart Ministries.

The family sends a special thanks to each of you for whatever role you played in the life of James W. Wade: Caron Taylor, Ismael Sealy, E.C. Richardson, Mosey Auto Sales, Magic Shears Unisex Hair Salon, Dana Farber, Mass General Brigham Eye and Ear, Mass General Brookline/Brigham & Women’s, Sherrill House, Mission Main Community and Members plus Credit Union, Citizens Bank, and the staff at Davis Funeral Home. 

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