Jim Wade

James A. "Jim" Wade, 84, of Kingsport, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at his home. Born in Appalachia, VA, on September 25, 1931, a son of the late J. Alton and Analene Millard Wade, he has resided in this area his entire life. Jim retired as owner and operator of Center Auto Machine Shop in 2013 following 45 years of service. Jim was involved in the formation of Thunder Valley Dragway and served with NHRA, AHRA, and helped formulate IHRA in 1971 with Larry Carrier serving as technical director, writing the first rule book.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, daddy, papaw, brother and friend who loved street rods.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Wade and brother, Bob Wade.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Mary Helton Wade; two daughters, Rebecca Wade Shipley and husband Ron of Blountville and Pamela Wade Whitt and husband Tom of Gate City, VA; eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Shipley Williams and husband Matt, Kristen Whitt Smith and husband Andy, Brittany Shipley Crain and husband Josh, Tiffany Whitt, Thomas Whitt, Jacob Shipley, Mary Whitt, and Kaitlyn Whitt; four great grandchildren, Addelyn, Lorelei, Eliza, and Annora; brother, Larry Wade and wife Shirley; several nieces and nephews including special nephew, Randy Wade; special friends, Paul Moore, Pat Reynolds and Brian Greer; and special pets, Booger, George, and Mojo.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00pm on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at Hamlett-Dobson, Downtown and other times at his former residence in Indian Springs. A celebration of his life will be conducted at 8:00pm, Sunday, with Pastor Alan Buckles officiating. Special music will be provided by his granddaughter Kristen. Eulogies will be by Pat Reynolds and Brian Greer. Burial will follow graveside services at 11:00am, Monday, December 21, 2015, in East Lawn Memorial Park. Those attending graveside services are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 10:00am and then proceed to the cemetery. All local street rod family are asked and welcome to attend.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Paul Moore for his love and dedication.

Pallbearers will be Paul Moore, Pat Reynolds, Jamie Austin, Bobby Coates, Ron Shipley, Tom Whitt, Randy Wade, and Brian Greer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Hunt, Eddie Williams, Norman Davis, Chester Clendenin, Connie King, Bill Lawson, Keener Mallicote, Nick Cody, Glen Armstrong, Terry Yankee, Larry Dillow, Steve Edens, Bill "Peanut" Haynes, Tony Glover, Johnny Goins, Bill Clark and too many more to list.

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