James Spade Sr., 75, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ passed away suddenly on Tuesday June 2, 2015. Jim was the son of the late Ralph and Mary (Seigh) Spade. He was born in Boliver, PA and graduated from Turtle Creek High School in Turtle Creek, PA. After graduation, Jim joined the United States Air Force and while stationed in Dover DE, met his late wife Carole (Wagner) at a soda shop in Atlantic City NJ, while on weekend leave. They were married for 53 years, until her death in 2013. After Dover, he was stationed at Lakenheath AFB, England, with the 48th Fighter Wing, where the family spent 2 years. Upon return home from England, he made the military his career, where he proudly served, full time in the NJ Air National Guard, 177th Fighter Wing in Pomona, NJ, as a technician in the weapons shop. He retired as MSgt in 1987 after a 27 year military career. He was instilled with a strong work ethic from both his parents, which was evident his entire life. He always worked side jobs as an auto body repairman to help make ends meet for his family.

After retirement from the military, he also worked for NJ Transit as a bus driver and his favorite job of all was as a toll collector on the Margate Bridge for more than 10 years. He loved his “bridge customers” and enjoyed the daily interaction with the people. Jim was very personable, and no matter where he went, he was sure to meet someone he knew, which was something he took great pride in. He loved to chat and always had a joke or a story to tell. He was a member of Legion Post #158 in Egg Harbor City, but he also enjoyed spending Friday nights at Legion Post 352 in Somers Point where he had dinner with his friends. For many years, he has been an avid researcher of the family ancestry, accumulating a wealth of information. He was a member of the “Jersey Devils” Reunion Association of the 177th Air Guard and enjoyed their annual reunion in Myrtle Beach, SC, where he and Carole enjoyed spending time in their condo. He was colon cancer survivor after having been diagnosed in 2009. He was a shining example of successful treatment of the disease and remained cancer free. His greatest joy was watching his two great grandchildren participate in local sports and athletics.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was predeceased by his beloved son James Spade Jr and his three sisters Donna Spade, Pat Rodgers and Maryann Miller. He is survived by his loving daughters Sandra Taras and her husband Ken of Fenwick Island, DE, and Sindy Hartman and her fiancé Ralph Paulin of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. He also leaves behind his devoted grandchildren, Joshua Hartman Sr and his wife Erin of Mays Landing, NJ and Jessica Hartman and her fiancé Jimmy Connelly of Galloway, NJ, and his two precious great grandchildren Joshua Hartman Jr and Julia Hartman. Jim will be greatly missed by all of his extended family and friends.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, June 5, 2015 from 6-8pm at Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, 1650 New Road, Northfield, NJ. Viewing will resume Saturday June 6th from 10-11am followed by services at 11am. Interment will be at The Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, Estell Manor, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

Arrangements entrusted to and condolences may be left for his family at: adams-perfect.com

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