Hi, I'm Mr. Jim Wade, in my third year as junior high and 6th-grade homeroom teacher at East Fork. A midwestern boy, I grew up in Watertown, Wi, and am a graduate of Luther Prep School and Martin Luther College, later acquiring a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Florida International University.  I have had the privilege of serving our Synod as a school administrator, middle and high school teacher, staff minister, school counselor, choir director, organist, and coach in the states of Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, California, and now Arizona.  Throughout my teaching ministry I have found great joy in helping impressionable young people grow in their relationship with their Savior and best Friend, Jesus.  A Bible verse that has always bolstered me along my teaching journey are the encouraging words of Paul in Philippians 4: 13: "I can do all things through Christ, Who gives me strength."  

 

     God has blessed me with a wonderful family.  My wife Kristen, who grew up in Arizona, teaches ELA at Eagle Prep School in Phoenix.  Sons Jarrod and Joel, recent graduates of Arizona State University in the field of technology, reside and work in Chandler, AZ.  In my free time I enjoy recreating with family and friends, cheering on my boyhood sports teams, golfing, playing piano, and my nice, hot morning cup of coffee.

 

     I count it a special blessing to serve the families and children of East Fork Lutheran School and teach alongside the amazing team of instructors that the Lord has assembled here.  My daily prayer is that the White Mountain Apache boys and girls attending our mission school might continually grow in the assurance that they are dearly loved children of God!