Sargent James "Jim" L. Wade, 73, of Plainview, TX, passed from this earthly life and entered heaven's gates on November 28, 2020. Services will be held Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Bartley Funeral Home at 11 a.m.

Jim Wade was born on February 10, 1947 to JT and Trudie (Castleberry) Wade in Jacksonville, Texas. His family moved to Plainview in 1954 and he attended and graduated from Booker T. Washington School. During his time in school he mastered basketball, baseball, football, tennis and even volleyball. He enlisted and joined the army after graduating. James was stationed in Germany where he became a not only a Sargent but a pro basketball player.

In 1969 he played for 1. FC 01 Bamberg AKA Brose Bamberg "Freak City" and is listed as a defining figure of the Bamberg team. He was honorably discharged from the Army but continued playing basketball. Jim was the best Bamberg scorer in the Bundesliga seasons of 1970-1974 wearing the number 12. Wade not only broke records in Germany but he also broke racial barriers.

After his career ended in 1976, Jim Wade initially stayed as a restaurateur in Bamberg and ran the "Wades Star Disco". He then returned to Plainview and enjoyed mentoring the neighborhood kids who lovingly nicknamed him "Mr.Basketball".

He was also an Olympian and ABA trial candidate.

The one thing that he loved more than basketball was his family. He cherished the time spent with each and every one of them. He is remembered as humble, approachable, funny, and very friendly.

He is survived by his children; Yvette Campbell of Dallas, TX, Patrick Lovings-Wade and wife, Tammy, of Kennedale, TX, Patrick Regele and wife Shuntevia of Morrow, GA, Tina Lyles and husband, Chris, of Louisville, KY, Anissa Wade of Carrolton, Texas, and Arlene Lee and husband, Xavier, of Giddings, TX, a sister; Carolyn Jordan of Plainview, two brothers; Ernest Wade and wife, Beverly, of Everman, TX and Jerry Wade and wife, Annette, of Plainview, TX, and a special friend; Elaine Brown.

Jim was also blessed with a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; JT and Trudie Wade and a brother; Billy Wade.