Janet Handley

Jim Bade was born in 1934, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, to George and Dorothy (Lange) Bade. He grew up in Wisconsin, spending much of his childhood in Mukwonago, along with time in several other Wisconsin communities. His father operated a service station and ice cream parlor in Mukwonago before entering the grocery business.

Jim graduated from Waukesha High School and went on to attend what was then known as the Wisconsin School of Mines in Platteville, where he graduated in 1956. During his studies, he chose to pursue the petroleum option, beginning a career that would span more than 37 years. His graduating class included just 25 students, and he fondly remembered his college days throughout his life. He especially enjoyed returning to Platteville to visit the iconic “M” on the hillside.

While attending college, Jim spent two summers working for Shell Oil in Texas. Those experiences marked the beginning of a lifelong professional relationship with the company. After graduation, he joined Shell Oil and remained there throughout his career, retiring in 1991 after more than 37 years of service. His work took him and his growing family to communities across the United States, including Glendive and Billings, Montana; Casper, Wyoming; Denver, Colorado; New Orleans and Houston; as well as the Netherlands during the later years of his career.

Jim met his wife, Janet Hundley, while working at Shell, and they married in 1984. Following his retirement, they built their retirement home, affectionately named “Hog Heaven,” in Independence, Texas. There, Jim enjoyed the pursuits that brought him happiness, including tending his beloved antique roses, brewing beer, watching Green Bay Packers football, and caring for the many cats and dogs that shared their home.

Jim’s life reflected a strong connection to his Wisconsin roots, a lasting commitment to his profession, and a fondness for the memories and experiences that shaped his journey. Although he developed dementia and passed away at the age of 75, his legacy continues through the scholarship established in his memory by Janet Hundley.

This scholarship honors Jim’s life and career while supporting future students as they pursue their own educational and professional goals. It also provides a lasting connection to the university and community that played such an important role in shaping his future.