Fairfield Maine – James B. Wade, 86, of 12 Island Avenue, died Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Woodlawn Nursing Home in Skowhegan with his daughter Katrina at his side holding his hand. James was born on Tuesday, December 13, 1938, in Portsmouth, NH, son of Eleanor J. and Ernest J. Wade. He completed 12 years of education and served in the Army and Navy for some years. James worked as a house painter for many years with his brother Jack, was a shoe maker in Skowhegan shoe shops, a male nurse, a master Maine guide, a locksmith, a pinball repair man for Lyons Music in Skowhegan, a security guard in Moscow, and a self-employed gem cutter. Over the years he attended many clubs including the Eagles, Elks, American Legion, and the Masons. James was an avid hunter and fisherman, a craftsman in basket weaving, and a talented artist who made Native American jewelry and belts, tanned his own pelts, and mined for gems. He loved nature and being in the woods, feeding the squirrels at his apartment where he had the fattest squirrels in Fairfield. He loved his Native American heritage. He enjoyed a good home cooked meal and was a good cook himself. He loved fine music like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Native American flute music. He was predeceased by both his parents, his wife, his son, one brother, and four sisters. James is survived by two daughters, one son, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and many friends. A special thank you to his friends Kurt, Arlene, and Janet, and all his neighbors at Island Apartments for being such great friends to him over the years. Also thank you to all the nursing staff at Lakewood Rehab in Waterville, the nursing staff at Woodlawn Nursing Home in Skowhegan, the Hospice staff with Norther Lights, the VA of Augusta, and his family Dr. Timothy Webb who still makes house calls, Thank you all for your kindness and compassion. Funeral services will be held on May 24th, at 1:30 pm, at Faith Church, located on Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.