My apple I-pad is associated with my wife's e -mail address. Would like to change it to my e-mail address.

See here to create your own Apple ID: How to create a new Apple ID - Apple Support

And here to use it to sign in on the iPad: Sign in with your Apple ID - Apple Support

You need to create your own Apple ID.

Apple ID - create a new.      

Apple ID – Create         

Family Sharing.         

Family Sharing - Set up.        

When changing to the new ID, there may be some data loss, but you can minimize it. If syncing photos with iCloud, ensure Optimization is turned off in Settings/Your Name/iCloud/Photos and/or in Photos/Preferences/iCloud. Then make sure full resolution photos are on the device/computer. When signing out of iCloud, if asked whether you want to retain data, choose yes. Messages conversations will be lost if they are addressed to the ID. See the article below for other places that the old ID should be removed. See Winston Churchill's response in the below discussion. Also set up Family Sharing between the IDs to keep access to your apps/purchases. 

How to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad.      

How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another.        

What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support.