James Kyle Slade

James “Kyle” Slade was born on November 1, 1985 in Mesa, AZ to Kristi Willis and Kevin Slade. He was the 2nd oldest of 8 siblings. Kyle graduated from Mesa Mountain View High School in 2004 with accolades in marching band. Kyle loved being the marching band president and was lovingly referred to as “Biff” for all of the chaos he created with his adventures. He then went on to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in beautiful Idaho. When he received his mission call, it was shortly after the film “Best Two Years” came out and he jokingly told his mom that he was going to prank everyone by saying “I’m going to Idaho!” The joke was on him though as he truly did get called to Idaho. He served with love and compassion and adored his time spent in the mission field. He worked as a "Safety Guy” for several years at Sportsman's Concrete, where he was known for making both enemies and friends. When employees saw Kyle coming to a job site, they either knew they were going to get in trouble for not sporting the correct PPE or they would be his best friend because that’s how Kyle was. Friends with everyone. On March 10, 2007, Kyle married Morgan Rasmussen, and together they shared 18 years of marriage. In those 18 years, Kyle and Morgan became the parents to 4 amazing children. James Ryan (15), Trulee (11), Chase (9) and Parker (9). When Kyle and Morgan found out they were having twins, they often joked that they “mathed” wrong because they were about to have 3 kids under the age of 2. Kyle’s children were the light of his life. Whether it was coaching Ryan in football or teaching Chase all the tricks to Xbox games. He was so happy and excited to be raising 2 sons. When it came to his daughters, he was totally smitten and it showed. They always got whatever soda and candy they requested. He would let them paint his nails and do his makeup. He once let his baby girl, Peanut, shave his head! Being a father was Kyle’s greatest accomplishment in life. Kyle enjoyed camping, playing softball, hanging out with his kids and coaching football. Kyle coached for the Junior Varsity team at Campo Verde High School and he was so incredibly proud of the team and their accomplishments. Coaching was one of his greatest passions and it sure showed! He was always proudly wearing his Campo Verde gear and was never embarrassed by the signs or car decorations his wife showed up with at the games for both him and his son. Kyle was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was an Eagle Scout and spent many years as a youth leader where he aided boys in their growth and love of the church. Kyle will be lovingly remembered by Morgan, his children (Ryan, Trulee, Chase and Parker), parents (Kristi, Kevin and Tami), siblings (Elizabeth, Meagan (Buck), Lacey, Whitney (Bryan), Katelyn (Ethan), Garrin (Jessica), Talin and McKenna), grandfather (Chad Willis Sr.), aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, fellow coaches and youth of Campo Verde High School football.  While the list seems long it is certain that if you knew Kyle, you will miss him! He was loved by all those he met, and he never met a person he didn’t consider a friend within a few moments. As his final act of love and generosity, as he had always wished, he was able to be an organ donor. Through this selfless decision, several lives were blessed and given renewed hope by the gift of his organs. 
 
Kyle was preceded in death by grandparents Katrina Willis, Kathleen Slade and Garold Slade. Nephew Ethan Rasmussen. Funeral services will be Friday, October 10th at 11am with a viewing prior to at 8:30 at the LDS Church Building at 21320 s Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85298 with interment afterward at Gilbert Memorial Cemetery.  https://bwevents.swoogo.com/wardbroadcast/live