James H. Wilde went to be with Jesus on March 16, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota, at age 94. James has left behind a legacy of faith that will go on for generations. He made a lasting impact on those who interacted with him through his teaching and sharing his love for Jesus. Jim will be remembered for his wisdom, love for Jesus, joy in all things, sense of humor and hearty laugh. He had a natural charisma that drew people to him. The most important things to him were following Jesus and loving his wife and family. His nightly routine was to pray through the list of each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jim's family can attest that his faithful prayers were effective and anchored and sustained them.

James was born on November 10, 1930, in Junius, South Dakota, to Harry and Mary (Presba) Wilde. He grew up in the Madison, South Dakota area. Jim attended country school through the 8th grade. After working at several jobs, he enlisted in the military where he served in the 2nd Signal Co as a cryptographer. While he was serving in the army, he received his high school diploma. After returning home from the military, he attended General Beadle State Teachers College (Dakota State) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education with majors in math and science. He earned a master's degree later at the University of South Dakota. While at General Beadle, he met Caroline Olson through mutual friends. It was through the influence of Caroline that James came to know Jesus as his personal Savior. Jim gave flowers to Caroline every year on February 22nd in honor of his spiritual birthday.

In 1956, James and Caroline married. They moved to Canby, Minnesota in 1958 where James began his 38-year career as a high school science teacher. His homemade ice cream experiments were a favorite of all. He received many awards and scholarships and served on many boards during his time in Canby. These included Outstanding Educator for the SW/WC Service Cooperatives, serving on a computer council for Governor Arne Carlson as well as the MEA board of directors, and continuing education at places like Cornell and Harvard. He also served with the Civil Defense department in the 1960s. His side job in the mid-1960s through 1980s was as a radio, stereo, and TV repair man in the Canby area. He served in many capacities for Gideons International. Jim was rarely without a Gideon Bible to give to someone he met along with a comment about the importance of knowing God. Jim took the opportunity to share Jesus with others through missions trips, Gideon outreach events, and basically everywhere he went.

Jim was constantly learning new things. He was an early adopter of technology and used it into his 90s. He always knew where to find a Dairy Queen along his route…well before GPS. He always had a book in his pocket to read when he had a spare moment or two. He enjoyed adventures throughout his life including a trip to Moab in his 80s and a ride on a Ferris Wheel at age 91. He loved playing board, card, and dice games with others including his great grandchildren. Easter scavenger hunts were a huge hit with his family especially when looking for that "special" clue.

In 2013 Jim and Caroline moved to Lakeville, Minnesota to be nearer to their children and grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his parents and many siblings. His survivors include his wife Caroline; children Brenda (Rick) Anderson, Brad (Jody) Wilde, Bryan (Brenda) Wilde, Barbara (Doug) Hoglund, Beth (Keith) Beckwith, Brent (Lynn) Wilde; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Harold and sister Jeanette.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the White Funeral Home - Lakeville, MN, with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service, and lunch will follow. Burial will be in South Dakota at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Gideons International https://www.gideons.org/

Arrangements by https://www.whitefuneralhomes.com/location/lakeville