Camp Courageous is saddened by the passing of Jay Bader, 72, a/k/a J. Remington Wilde, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, formerly of Nashville, Tennessee, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.   Jay was a fascinating person who lived a life, many dream…and thus we wanted to share his life.  Jay desired for his memorials to go to Camp Courageous (www.campcourageous.org/donate).

Jay was born in Monticello, Iowa, to Camp Courageous Honorary Board Members Jim and Arlene (Arduser) Bader. He grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was a 1969 graduate of Kennedy High School. After high school Jay enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed in Hawaii where surfing became a favorite pastime. Following his stint in the service he resided in Colorado where he loved the mountains, but his passion as a songwriter was stronger so he moved with his guitar to pursue his dream in Nashville. His music was penned under the name of J. Remington Wilde. Jay began his professional career as a songwriter in Nashville in 1977, and soon signed with ATV Music Group (now Sony Music Publishing). His songs have been recorded by many country and pop artists including Ray Charles, Conway Twitty, Gary Allan, Juice Newton, Clint Eastwood, Randy Travis, Tommy Overstreet and others. His songs have earned several Gold and Platinum awards and have been used in feature films including White Palace. Over many years Jay enjoyed playing golf and tennis with friends as well as walks on the beach and playing poker. He was an avid reader and especially felt the book “The Road Less Traveled” was life changing. A ukulele became the instrument of choice as he continued to write songs after his move to Florida in 2012. Jay will be remembered for his kindness, his great sense of humor and his generosity. Jay was preceded in death by his father in 2019 and his mother in 2022. Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Jan (Dean) Solem of Marion, Iowa; two nieces: Shannon (Brian) Walshire and Kristy (Shane) Birkey, and their children: Wyatt Swartzendruber, Allison Birkey, Madelyn Walshire and Ella Walshire. Also surviving is his longtime songwriting friend Byron Hill, and his wife Sharon Hill. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date with interment at Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello, Iowa. Goettsch Funeral Home in Iowa is assisting the family. A special thank you to Treasure Coast Hospice in Florida and Hospice of Mercy in Iowa for their caring services. Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous, 12007 190th Street, Monticello IA 52310 (www.campcourageous.org/donate). Jay will be missed by all whose lives he touched.