- November 23, 2024
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James O. Kade
April 6, 1924 – June 8, 2022
Born in Riga, Latvia, James enjoyed a loving childhood. In high school, he was in a club that built and flew their own primary glider, the start of James’ lifelong love of soaring.
He experienced the brutal realities of World War II defending his country against the Soviet Red Army. Good fortune brought him to the USA in 1949 as a refugee. After meeting all requirements of emigration laws, he became a citizen of his new and cherished country.
Securing a job in the hotel industry in New York City, James and his new wife Dzintra started a family, welcoming children Linda and Nils. After 15 years together, he and Dzintra divorced.
James then went to work at a company producing the board games Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. There he met his future wife, Jeanne Zator. They moved to Palm Coast, Florida in 1989, where they enjoyed many years together, surrounded by family and many good friends. They traveled together within the U.S., Europe, and South America.
He enjoyed his favorite sport and pastime of soaring well into retirement. James achieved recognition for significant soaring accomplishments, including distance, altitude, and endurance flights.
With wife Jeanne’s enthusiastic support, he enjoyed his favorite sport and pastime of soaring well into retirement. James achieved recognition for significant soaring accomplishments, including distance, altitude, and endurance flights.
As James’ health declined, he relocated to Vallejo, California in 2020 to be with his daughter in her home. There, he was cared for by family and made many new friends. He died at home peacefully, with his daughter holding his hand.
James was preceded in crossing the threshold into the hereafter by son Nils in 2008 and wife Jeanne in 2011. He is survived by daughter Linda Kade, grandson William Kade, daughter-in-law Jeannine Kade and nephew-in-law Peter May.
