James E. Slade, Jr., 92, passed away April 17, 2018, at his home in Indianapolis. Jim and his wife Marion lived in Seymour, IN most of their married lives. He was born May 15, 1925, in Oakland City, IN.
During WWII Sgt. Slade was stationed in England and flew 35 missions over Germany as a waist gunner for the 8th Army Air Force. He served 11 months overseas, earning the E.T.O. Ribbon with five Battle Stars, Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Unit Citation and Good Conduct Medal. He completed 24 Combat Missions.
After returning home to Princeton, he married his high school sweetheart, Marion Darlene Dearing. The two had grown up together in Princeton schools, even attending the same church, St. Mark’s Evangelical United Brethren Church.
While working for Capitol Finance in Princeton, Jim was transferred to Seymour, IN, in 1954. He and Marion lived there for 67 years and then retired from Home Federal Savings and Loan in 1988.
After retirement the two enjoyed traveling. They often went to see their only grandchild in Florida and also met annually with the military group until recent years. Jim was the last surviving member of his battalion.
Jim was an active member of Seymour Evangelical United Brethren Church, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and treasurer, and later at Freetown United Methodist Church. He was also active in the Lions Club, the Elks, Jaycees, the American Legion and the VFW.
Besides his wife, Marion, one daughter Jayne Slade-Dashiell and one granddaughter, Kristin Dashiell of Bangkok, Thailand, survive Jim. Other survivors include a daughter-in-law Kay Passailaigue, Charleston, SC; and four siblings: Richard, Cedar Park, TX; Patricia (Jerry) Frohbieter of Haubstadt, IN; William (Raquel), Princeton, IN.; Karen (Boyd) Davis, Carmel, IN; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents James E. Slade, Sr. in 1979 and Sylvia Slade in 1999; two children, Bruce in 1960 and Dennis in 2013; and son-in-law Vic Dashiell preceded him in death in 2017.
Funeral services will be at Voss & Sons Funeral Service in Seymour, IN (316 N. Chestnut St.) on Friday at 6 pm with the Rev. David Ison officiating. Visitation will be from 4 pm until time of service. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Princeton, IN at 3 pm Eastern or 2 pm Central time on Saturday with Pastor Kevin Wilson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Freetown United Methodist Church or Paradigm Hospice Foundation, 7520 E. 88th Place, Suite 101; Indianapolis, IN. 46256.
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