J.D. WADE

J.D was born to Florence Pringle and Jessie Wade on July 1, 1932, in Fernandina Beach, Florida.  He is the oldest of eight siblings, a loving brother of seven girls.

J.D.’s Christian walk began at an early age in New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized at a young age.  J.D. attended public school in Fernandina Beach, Florida, where he graduated from Peck High School, in the class of 1952.  He later joined the Marine Corps and served for 3 years, where he was promoted to Corporal. He saw combat in the Korean War. 

J.D moved to California in 1955 and resided in Los Angeles.  J.D. met and married Josephine Jeanette Bradford in 1960.  For 39 years they loved and enjoyed each other, until God called her home March of 1999.  During those 39 years they were blessed with a son Everette Detroy Wade.  J.D. retired after working over 25 years as a Longshoreman.     

Deacon J.D. Wade was ordained as a Deacon at Pilgrim Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. in 1985 by his late Pastor, Elder Samuel Seals.  In 1997, Elder James E. Harper became the pastor of Pilgrim Church. Deacon Wade and Pastor Harper developed a strong relationship and fellowship that overflowed into the Worship Service at Pilgrim.  Deacon Wade was a faithful Sunday School student; always on time and ready to participate in the study of God’s word.  During the Sunday Morning devotions, Deacon Wade often prayed, testified, and sang.  He would lift one of his favorite songs by himself and then the congregation would join in the exuberance of his sincere praise, “Thank You Lord, I just want to Thank You Lord.” 

Deacon Wade often spoke of how God brought him to Pilgrim and how he secured his tenure as a Long Shoreman at the Port of Los Angeles. Deacon Wade was a blessing to the Worship Service lifting his voice in praise and thanksgiving for many years.  When the COVID Pandemic struck and we were not able to attend in-person Worship Services, Deacon Wade would be one of the first call-in attendees on the line with that famous call of “Good Morning.”  His voice of warmth, enthusiasm and sincerity was a blessing to many call-in worshippers he had never personally met. 

The Pastor and Members of Pilgrim Church will deeply miss this Soldier of the Cross who, “Fought a Good Fight.” 

Rest Well Our Brother! 

J.D. loved his family dearly and was able to attend and participate in family gatherings and reunions.  He was a very kind and loving brother to his 7 sisters.  J.D. spent the last several years living with his son and his beautiful daughter in-law Joy Wingate Wade.  They along with their 3 children made his final years relaxing and comfortable.

J.D. is preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Wade, both parents Jessie Wade and Florence Pringle, sisters: Jean Pringle Davis, Ethel Pringle Lovett, Alona Pringle Lewis & Julia Pringle Hay.

On January 11, 2021, God spoke and received his servant, but has left us with precious memories that will always be cherished.  He leaves to cherish his memories his son, Everett D. Wade and wife Joy, 3 grandchildren Larissa Wade, Brennon Wade, Bryson Wade. 3 sisters, Audrey Pringle Daniels, (James) Cocoa, FL., Beverly Pringle Hooker, (Sam) Columbia, SC., Evelyn Pringle Mosley, (Charles) Miami, FL,  1 loving aunt, Ophelia Cohen Green, Jacksonville, FL. 1 special cousin Daniel Cohen Sr. Waynesville, GA.  J.D. leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Grimes-Akes Family Funeral Home, Corona, California.

(c)copyright 2021

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