James (Jim) Wilde passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family the morning of Tuesday, June 11, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born January 20, 1943 in Rochester, MN to Herman and Verona Wilde.  After the loss of his father in 1944 and loss of his mother in 1954, he moved to Babbitt, MN to live with his sister and brother-in-law, Janis and Dick Mestad.  Jim graduated from Babbitt High School in 1962.  He worked for the Reserve Mining Company in Babbit, MN for five years.  He then returned to the Byron area in 1967 and married Helen Adamson on April 20, 1968 at St. John's Catholic Church in Rochester.

He retired from Lucent Technologies after working as a telephone technician for 31 years.  Jim continued to be active in retirement, working part-time as a courtesy driver for Adamson Motors until his health declined.

He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where he was an active member of the men's group.  Jim was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  He thoroughly enjoyed spending his time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed vacationing every year with family and friends in Alexandria, MN, where he loved to fish.  He was a NASCAR fan and an avid collector of die cast cars.  Jim was also a great gardener.  He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Helen; son, Chris and his children Jordan and Caden; son, Scott (Kim) and their children Megan and Carter; sisters, Janis (Dick) Mestad and Karen (Curt) Oeltjenbruns.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church at 10:30AM on Thursday, June 13, 2013 with Rev. Paul Surprenant officiating.  Visitation for Jim will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church from 4:30-7:00PM Wednesday, June 12, 2013 and also one-half hour prior to the service on Thursday.  Burial will be in Byron Cemetery.

The family extends their thanks and gratitude for the wonderful care Jim received from Mayo Clinic and Seasons Hospice.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com