James J. “Jim” Fadule, of Wellesley, MA, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family — his wife of 33 years, Jill (Hubbell) Fadule, and their four sons, Matthew, John, James, and Joseph — after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on October 8, 1962, in Hazleton, PA, Jim was the beloved son of the late Joseph G. Fadule Sr. and Theresa Silveri Fadule. A lifelong Catholic, he was shaped by the values instilled by his parents and teachers. He attended Holy Trinity German Roman Catholic School and often credited Sister Mary James with teaching him the faith, discipline, hard work, and commitment to team and execution that guided his life and career.
Jim starred at Hazleton High School as quarterback and was also a standout basketball and baseball player. He graduated from Harvard College in 1984 with a B.A. in English and American Literature, playing varsity football on the Ivy League Co-Champion teams of 1982 and 1983. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1989, where he met his wife.
Professionally, Jim was a visionary leader and entrepreneur. He is considered by many the “Godfather of 529 College Savings Plans,” helping millions of families save for higher education. In 2000, he founded Upromise Investments, Inc. (UII), transforming it from a start-up into the nation’s largest direct-to-consumer 529 plan manager, with more than 250 employees, $20 billion in assets under administration, and over 1.4 million investor accounts.
Through Jim’s commitment to affordable, technology-driven savings solutions, UII administered many of the most successful 529 plans in the country, including the Upromise College Fund, the Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan, and New York’s 529 College Savings Program. He built enduring partnerships with firms such as Vanguard, State Street, Barclays iShares, Franklin Templeton, Columbia, American Century, and T. Rowe Price, as well as major distribution platforms.
Before founding UII, Jim spent eight years at Fidelity Investments, where he developed the company’s 529 business and designed the first nationally marketed direct-to-consumer plan. He later led similar efforts at Merrill Lynch, launching the first nationally marketed advisor-sold plan. Earlier in his career, he held roles at IBM, in consulting, and in venture capital.
Beyond business, Jim was a devoted coach and mentor. For more than a decade, he coached Wellesley Youth Football, leading teams — including three of his sons — to a remarkable 54-game win streak, an American Youth Football National Championship in 2013, and a runner-up finish in 2014. He instilled in his players the same discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail that defined his life. In October 2025, he was honored by Wellesley Youth Football, inspiring the community with a poignant speech and presentation.
Above all, Jim was devoted to his family. A second-generation American of Italian, Lithuanian, and Lebanese heritage, he centered his life on family, purpose, and service. The care and devotion surrounding him during his illness reflected the deep love he inspired.
Jim is also survived by his siblings: Joseph G. Fadule Jr. and his wife, Mary, of Robbinsville, N.J.; Angela Fadule Smith and her husband, Reginald, of Upper Darby, PA; Anthony Fadule and his wife, Jean Marie, of Hazle Township, PA; Matthew Fadule and his wife, Susan, of Hackettstown, N.J.; and George Fadule and his wife, Lisa, of Sugarloaf Township; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Rd., Wellesley, on Friday, December 19, from 4–7pm, followed by a funeral Mass on Saturday, December 20, at 11am. Interment will follow at Wellesley Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Wellesley Youth Football
www.wellesleyyouthfootball.org/faduledonations/
P.O. Box 812839
Wellesley, MA 02482
or
Charles River Center
www.charlesrivercenter.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/personal-giving/
Attn: Development Department
59 East Militia Heights Drive
Needham, MA 02492
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