James Edward Warde, Jr.
James Edward Warde, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, son and brother, passed away on February 8, 2022, at age 90 and just nine days shy of his 91st birthday. James was born on February 17, 1931, in Dallas, Texas, at his grandparent’s home. He went to Plano High School and later obtained a GED, graduated from business school and attended Baylor University. He even spent some time in Mortuary school.
When he was younger, he played football at Plano, and nothing could top the stories he told about his athletic exploits. He joined the U. S. Army Air Corps in 1946 during his 11th grade of high school at the young age of 16 and eventually took to the skies, jumping from planes in the Air Force until 1954. He delivered bottled milk to doorsteps and at another time drove a delivery truck for Mrs. Baird’s Bread, where he also helped create a plan for a faster production workflow. He owned his own cafe after his time in the Air Force. He sold cemetery plots and spent time as a mortician.
Mostly, he is known for his skills as a general contractor, building custom homes, custom additions, kitchens and especially custom wood cabinets. He was still doing those projects until his passing.
Over the years he became involved in choir and men’s singing quartets, most of them church related. He also enjoyed the occasional yodel and he was known to cut a rug on the dance floor and at times wore a pair of skates. His sense of humor was what many knew him for as he thoroughly enjoyed making people laugh. He also had a number of funny handshakes.
He was married a few times, but when he met Judy, he nailed it. She brought out his best and he still had one trick up his sleeve, at 52, when he fathered their child. Once he met Judy, her charm got the best in him, and he lived his best years since their union.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Edward Warde, Sr.; mother, Margie Catherine Warde; three sisters: Patricia Ann Garth, Elizabeth Espinoza and Nancy Warde.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Warde; sister, Mary Norris; daughters, Karen Williams, Karen Laarits and Karla Seebold; sons, Mark Warde, Kerry Curtis and James Glenn Warde; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
A memorial gathering and celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2022, at East Gate Funeral Home in Garland, Texas.
“Life has been good and it’s been not so good from time to time, but that is life in the fast lane. The last 40 years have been the best years of my life, as I have the most perfect wife that ever lived and I’m so thankful.” - James Edward Warde
