James John Blado, 84, was born on April 2, 1940. He passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2024. In the weeks prior to his passing, Jim was blessed to spend precious time with his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandson, as well as many other family members and friends.
Jim was born in Racine, WI, to Ewald August Blado and Marie Louise (Pelz) Blado. He became a redeemed child of God through infant baptism on May 19, 1940. Jim attended St. Paul Lutheran Grade School in Tomah, WI. (Little did he know that he would meet his future bride while attending second grade!) He was confirmed in his Christian faith on May 2, 1954. Upon graduating from Tomah High School, Jim enrolled at Marquette University and joined their ROTC program. He graduated with his Doctorate in Dental Science in 1965. Jim traveled the world on the USS Klondike while serving as a Lieutenant in the Navy Dental Corps from 1965 to 1967. Despite vowing to never return to Tomah, Jim did just that. In June of 1968, God caused his path to cross with Carol Kay Miller while she was home for the summer. As Jim would say, “The love bug bit and wouldn’t leave me alone.” Jim and Carol were married on December 14, 1968. Together they raised four daughters who were well known among all as “the Blado Girls.” After 55 years in dentistry, Jim retired on October 15, 2018 to travel with Carol and enjoy spending time with his girls and their families.
First and foremost, family and friends will fondly remember Jim for being passionately devoted to God. He was also passionate about family, patriotism, philanthropy, generosity, leadership, and being persistent and ambitious in life. Jim was an entrepreneur who loved to learn and teach. He described himself as a fixer and a planner. He was gifted with big-picture thinking and built a strong circle of influence by surrounding himself with people who knew more than he did. He valued communication, meaningful conversations, and took the time to get to know people on a personal level. He encouraged people to use their God-given skills and talents.
While in the hospital, a nurse asked Jim if he knew why he was there. He said, “Because God wants me to be here.” The hospital chaplain asked him what his greatest joy in life had been, and he said, “Well, I can tell you what it is—besides the spiritual and what God’s plan was—marrying my wife.” And when asked what he wanted to be known for once he was gone, he said, “Teaching the Great Commission to the world.” God was faithful and good to Jim throughout his journey on earth. He was a pillar of steadfast strength grounded in the One True God. He continued the legacy handed down to him by his parents by raising his family to know the grace and mercy of our incredible God. He said with confidence, “I’m going to my new address, and it’s going to be glorious.” Jim has heard the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!...Come and share your Master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ewald and Marie Blado, parents-in-law Arlyn and Doris Miller, his sister Marie (Dan) Stefferud, a grandson Jack Erickson, a granddaughter Faith Rady, and seven other blessings from God that we never had the privilege to know or hold due to miscarriage.
He is survived by his wife Carol Blado; his daughters Cären (Faling) Yang, Leslye (Jeff) Ulman, Lori (Ryan) Erickson, and Dana (Eric) Rady; his grandchildren Brandon (fiancé Annaliese Kehoe) Yang, Carlena (Joey) Haydock, Dillon Yang, Jordyn (Aaron) Hungerford, Jakob Ulman, Isaiah (fiancé Alaina Dahlke) Ulman, Boaz Ulman, Malia Erickson, Samuel Erickson, Griffin Rady, Easton Rady, and Havyn Rady; his great-grandson James Hungerford; his brothers-in-law Dan Stefferud and James Miller; his sisters-in-law Marilyn Miller and Sue Miller; and many other relatives.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Torkelson Funeral Home, 2224 S. Superior Avenue, Tomah, WI, on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:30pm. A graveside committal with military honors will immediately follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. There will be no formal visitation prior to the service; however, following the committal, everyone is invited to return to Torkelson Funeral Home for food and fellowship to celebrate the Crown of Life Jim now wears.
If you are so inclined to give a memorial, in lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Jim’s legacy by specifying one of the following organizations for your memorial gift – St. Paul Tuition Assistance Fund, St. Croix Hospice, American Legion, Tomah Lions Club. Memorials received without a specific designation will be divided equally among the four organizations.
