Jonathan Ormsby "Jonny" Wade II

JONATHAN 'JONNY' ORMSBY WADE II

JERSEYVILLE — On Christmas Eve, 2015, Jonny died of brain cancer at his home in Jerseyville, Illinois, surrounded by his family. He was 8 years old.

Jonny Wade was born in Lubbock, Texas, on April 9, 2007, one minute before his twin brother Jackson "Jacky," to Kimberly Denise and Jonathan Ormsby Wade. When Jonny was only 2, the Wade family moved to Mountain View, Missouri. Even at this young age, Jonny was always going and doing. He enjoyed anything outside, but particularly enjoyed fishing and baseball. We often fished for bass, perch or trout in the rivers and streams around our home. His first fish was a largemouth bass he caught at the Jack's Fork River; his face absolutely beamed and his heart raced as he reeled it in. He talked for hours about that fish. Jonny was hooked on fishing ever since. When we weren't fishing, Jonny would often spend hours organizing his "hooks" and lures to prepare for the next trip.

Jonny became spiritual as early as 3 years old. He would often talk about God and could see God's hand in everyday events. Many times his comments would stop us in our tracks, causing us to re-think our priorities or appreciate our blessings in a new way.

At 6 years old, the family moved to Jerseyville, Illinois. Jonny became a loyal Cardinals fan and loved playing baseball. As a left-hander, he had a delivery that was like no other. As an engaging and witty personality, Jonny quickly made many good friends in Jerseyville. He loved life; his strength and joy was contagious to all around him.

In December 2014, Jonny got a headache. Eight days later, the day after Christmas, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He spent the next year of his life enduring many surgeries, treatments and medications that caused him suffering and pain. While he physically deteriorated, his spirit reached unimaginable strength. In May 2015 he had a remarkable spiritual experience where he felt the presence of God in his hospital room. He was saved the next day and was baptized on May 31, 2015. His story inspired thousands of people across the world as his faith revealed itself and he showed us all how to trust in God in the midst of suffering.

Jonny was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Henry Richard and Viola June Wade of Missouri, Levi "Bud" and Lillian Dunbar of Florida, Sherman and Marjorie Massey of Missouri, and Alex Carroll of California; great uncle, Larry Wade of Missouri.

Jonny is survived by his twin brother Jackson Wade, his parents Jon and Kimberly Wade, and his half sister Kayla Garrison; his grandparents Henry Ormsby and Sherline Wade of Missouri, John and Darlene Blount of Florida, and Alan Carroll of Minnesota; great-grandparent Mary Carroll; Aunts and Uncles, Patrick and Kristine Crane of Florida, Bryan and Lisa Wade of Missouri; and he is survived by many cousins.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016 at the Crawford Funeral Home, 1308 State Highway 109, Jerseyville, Illinois 62052.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church, 1200 S. Liberty, Jerseyville, Illinois 62052, with the Rev. Brent Meyer, the Wade family pastor, officiating.

Jonny will be laid to rest in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the City of Jerseyville Parks & Recreation Department, which will benefit children of the area for many years to come, and reflect the selfless and giving nature that was Jonny Wade.