James Wilde
James H. Wilde went to be with Jesus on March 16, 2025, at age 94. James has left behind a legacy of faith that will go on for generations. His faithful prayers were effective, anchoring and sustaining his family.
James was born on Nov. 10, 1930, in Junius, S.D., to Harry and Mary (Presba) Wilde. He grew up in the Madison, S.D. area. Jim attended country school through the eighth grade. He served in the army where he received his high school diploma. He earned a B.S. in Education at General Beadle State Teachers College and a master’s 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.
In 1956, James and Caroline married. They moved to Canby, Minn., in 1958 where James began his 38-year teaching career. He was an early adopter of technology and always knew where to find a Dairy Queen. He received many awards and scholarships and served on many boards. He also served with the Civil Defense department in the 1960s and was a skilled radio/TV repair man. As a member of Gideons International, Jim was rarely without a Gideon Bible and actively shared Jesus with others.
In 2013 Jim and Caroline moved to Lakeville, Minn., to be nearer to their children and grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his parents and many siblings. Survivors include wife, Caroline; children, Brenda (Rick) Anderson, Brad (Jody) Wilde, Bryan (Brenda) Wilde, Barbara (Doug) Hoglund, Beth (Keith) Beckwith, and Brent (Lynn) Wilde; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Harold; and sister, Jeanette.
A Memorial Service was held March 22 the White Funeral Home - Lakeville. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to https://www.gideons.
org. Arrangements by https://
www.whitefuneralhomes.com/location/lakeville.
