John B. Slade

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on January 30, 2023, John Benjamin Slade, 72, loving spouse of Judy Ham.

John grew up in the great white North, Virginia, Minnesota, but has called the CSRA home for the last 40+ years. John grew up enjoying his younger years at home and his families cabin at Lake Vermillion in MN. John excelled at swimming as a young man and held several records. Even years later, if there was a lake and it was warm enough to swim, you could catch a random old guy doing a pretty darn good butterfly stroke across the water.

He always had a passion for sports (playing golf and fishing included) that followed him through life as a football, baseball and paintball coach. He was always willing to spend a little more time and work a little more with the young men he saw needed a mentor or a role model. He was as proud of their achievements as he was of his own children. And never complained of sacrificing his time if he could help.
He also loved to have fun as a coach. Letting kids steal home plate. Trick plays. His coaching shirts: Hawaiian shirts of course.

If you knew John, you learned quickly to never accept a bet from him. He would only bet if he knew he could win. One fine example would be when he would play golf with his buddies and bet one their next ball would go in the water. The bet would be accepted. John would then proceed to pick up their ball and throw it in the water. Saying the bet was only the ball would go in the water, but no particulars on how it had to get there. You learned fast to listen to what he didn’t say. And definitely never play cards with him. No telling where a card may be hidden or what reflection from which window or cabinet, he would look at to read your hand. Before retirement, he worked primarily at Georgia Railroad Bank (First Union) and Thermal Ceramics. Both introducing him to lifelong friends.

John was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend who will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor and loving nature towards all who had the good fortune of knowing him. He will be known as the guy that was always quick to laugh, tell a story that is way too long, talk about every delicious meal he has had, a quirky personality, and loved those he loved with all his heart. He was lucky enough to meet the love of his life in his second chapter, his wife Judy, whom he adored.

Family members in addition to his spouse include his children: John Jacob Slade of Augusta, GA and Erin N. Slade of North Augusta, SC; sisters: Mary (Scott) Thorson of Carson City, NV, Pat (Tim) Bangsund of Siren, WI, and Diane (Eugene) Hawley of Eveleth, MN; five nieces and nephews; and stepdaughters: Ashley and Lindsay.

John was preceded in death by his loving parents Helen and John Slade of Virginia MN. A celebration of John’s life will be held at his daughter’s home on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 2-6pm in North Augusta, SC. If you need an address for the service, please text 706-533-6036 and request. John’s cremains will go home to be buried in Minnesota at a later date.

Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com