James C. Lade

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James Curtis “LaDeDaDe” Lade, age 39, died suddenly and unexpectedly on March 16, 2026, leaving behind a heartbreak that words cannot fully capture. While we mourn the devastating loss of a man gone far too soon, we also celebrate a life lived boldly, fully, and with unmistakable spirit.

James was born on July 22, 1986, in Landstuhl, Germany. He grew up in California, and as a young boy enjoyed playing baseball and football, riding his BMX bike and hanging out with his brother and great childhood friends. He spent meaningful time in Wisconsin duck hunting and making memories through adventures in England and abroad.

He graduated from Vanden High School in Fairfield, California, went on to study Law Enforcement at Napa Valley College, and proudly graduated from the Police Academy—an early reflection of his drive, discipline, and desire to do something meaningful. Following injuries that hindered his career in law enforcement, he knew he had to pivot.

James built a dynamic and ever-evolving career, working with companies including Best Buy, Under Armour, Amazon, and AiFi. He had a unique ability to blend retail and technology, always thinking ahead and dreaming bigger. However, the true spotlight of his professional and personal journey was at Under Armour. During his brief chapter with UA Retail as a Store Manager in Washington state, James met the love of his life, Marcy—this is where his life and career transitioned to UA corporate in Baltimore, MD where so much more of his story would unfold.

In October 2015, he and Marcy threw one heck of a party in Fells Point as they committed to spending forever together. They built the foundation of a life filled with ambition and partnership. But above all else, James was a family man. Together, James and Marcy bought their first home, settled into the Baltimore suburbs, and began building their beautiful family. Soon, James found himself happily surrounded in a house full of girls— his wife, Marcy, their two daughters Aubrey and Kendall, and even their beloved golden retriever, Riley.

Never one to shy away from bold moves, James once again followed his instinct during a short COVID-era getaway. In true James’ fashion —spontaneous, fearless, and full of vision—he flipped the script and moved his family to Holly Springs, North Carolina, in search of a better lifestyle, warmer weather, and the forever home he was always chasing.

Inspired by UA Founder/CEO, Kevin Plank’s philosophy — ”Be smart enough, to be naïve enough to not know what you can’t accomplish” —James embodied that mindset in everything he pursued. His own personal motto, “Millionaire in Training,” reflected both his humor and his relentless belief in growth and possibility. That entrepreneurial spirit carried into his and Marcy’s passion project and family legacy, Stay LaDeDa LLC — a short-term rental management business, hosting both their own properties as well as investors in Green Bay, WI. This venture reflects both his creativity and his deep love for building something meaningful for those he loved.

James lived life with energy and enthusiasm that was contagious. He loved riding his Harley, traveling, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco Giants, golf, hunting, tackling DIY projects, and chasing the next thrill. He was an avid shoe collector and a true enthusiast in everything he touched. Whether you met him once or knew him for years, James left an impression—he connected easily, laughed fully, and lived unapologetically.

He was deeply loved, admired, and cherished by everyone who knew him—family, friends, coworkers, gym buddies, neighbors, even strangers who had the luck of sitting next to him on a plane. His presence was magnetic, his personality unforgettable.

In his most important role as “Dada”, James shared unique sentiments about and to his girls.

To “Aubs” – he expressed that she is truly one of a kind, highlighting how her energy brings brightness and excitement to life. He encouraged her to stay true to herself and reassured her that she is deeply loved exactly as she is. To “Kenny” – he shared that she consistently brings joy and happiness to everyone around her and serves as a steady, uplifting presence in his life. He also expressed that he loves her deeply.

James is survived by his wife, Marcy (Stutzman) Lade; his daughters, Aubrey (8) and Kendall (5); his parents, Tracy Lade (Chris Derr-husband) and Eric Lade (Linda Lade-wife); his brother, Toph Lade (Lisa Patti-partner); and countless extended family members and friends who will carry his memory forward. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kim Alice “Marmee” Lade, Curtis Lade, and Barbara and James Lamb.

Though his absence leaves an unfillable space—a hole far too large—his life reminds us to live bigger, love harder, hug tighter and take the leap, just as he always did.

It feels only fitting to close with a quote once gifted to him on a canvas, something that perfectly captures his spirit:

“I tend to be long winded.” — James Lade. And oh, how lucky we are that he was.

A funeral service for James will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21st in the Chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham with private cremation to happen later. Following the funeral service, a reception/luncheon will be held at 1:00 pm at The Club at 12 Oaks, 2004 Green Oaks Pkwy Holly Springs, NC 27540. James’ family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, March 20th at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham. James will lie in state from 9:00-10:30 AM on Saturday prior to the funeral.

The service for James will be livestreamed via a link that can be found above at the top of the obituary the day of the service for anyone that is unable to attend the service in person. 

Contributions in memory of James may be made to a college fund for James’s daughters, Aubrey and Kendall at the following link: https://gofund.me/41ec7610c