Pocahontas - Wade Hampton James, 92, passed away Friday, November 11, 2011, at Five Rivers Medical Center in Pocahontas. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Vera Henry James; daughter, Teresa Palmer (Garry) of Cypress, Texas, and son, Mike James (Molly) of Pocahontas. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Tamara McCrossen, (Bernie) of Pocahontas, Brent Mize (Debbie) of Lakewood, Colorado, Angela Thomas, (Marvin) of Fort Collins, CO, Krystal Jaeger of Cypress, TX, Marc Palmer of Cypress, TX, Amy Lynch (Chris), Travis James (Shelly), and Bryan James (Larinda) all of Pocahontas and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Stella Turner James, and daughter, LaCretia Wadene James. Wade was born, January 30, 1919, and raised in Pocahontas. He graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1937. He attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, AR, and Arkansas State College in Jonesboro, AR. After college, Wade taught school for 2 years. He is a veteran of World War II. He enlisted in February, 1944, and after serving stateside for 9 months, he became a member of the 24th Signal Corp. He landed in Scotland on October 11, 1944, and transferred to the 26th Signal Corp, helping put in communication line for the Potsdam Conference. After serving in the war, Wade had the opportunity to help dismantle war planes at the Walnut Ridge Air Force Base. In later years, he became a devoted volunteer and supporter of the Walnut Ridge Air Force Base Museum. Wade opened the Furniture Mart in Pocahontas in the 50's. It was the beginning of a career in the furniture industry as a Sales Representative that spanned more than 50 years, travelling extensively through the states Middle America. He was most recently representing Med-Lift, Inc. Community involvement was important to Wade. He was a promoter of the Pocahontas Centennial Celebration, 1956, Post Commander of the Meeks Johnston Post #6, and also District Commander. Wade had a passion for the Randolph County Fair and served as President for several years. He and his wife, Vera, were honored to be chosen as Grand Marshalls of the 2011 Randolph County Fair Parade. He was a member of Kiwanis and the Westridge Church of Christ. Wade loved horses and Santa Gertrudis cattle. He purchased and brought the first Santa Gertrudis into Randolph County in 1964. He was a past member of Santa Gertrudis Breeders International. He was also a member of the American Quarter Horse Association for over 30 years. Wade helped organize the Randolph County Cattleman's Association and served as County President, District Officer, and on the State Board of Directors. Wade James was a man unwavering in his beliefs. If he believed in a cause, there was no stopping him. Services were held Monday, November 14, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Larry Owen officiating. Burial followed in Randolph Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday, November 13, from 5:00-7:00 at McNabb's.