James Herbert Edghill II was born in Panama Canal Zone, Republic of Panama on April 13, 1934 to James and Lydia Edghill. He graduated from La Boca Occupational High School, La Boca, Canal Zone in 1953. James affectionately known as “Bertie” was the youngest of nine children.
Bertie met and married the love of his life, Pauline in Panama. He worked on tugboats in the Canal Zone. He enlisted and served in the United States Army after the Korean War and was later stationed in Tacoma, Washington. James was honorably discharged in 1963. After the completion of his military service, Bertie moved with his wife to Brooklyn, New York, where from their union they had one son James H. Edghill III aka “Jimmy.” He began working at Neuberger Loeb Investment Firm, then Faberge Industries. He worked for the New York City Transit Authority as a bus operator.
While still working for the Transit Authority, in 1976 Bertie and his family moved to Deer Park, New York where they resided for 22 years. Upon his retirement from the TA, they relocated to Allen, Texas in 1998.
Bertie served as a mentor for underserved youth and attended Christ Church, where he and Pauline served in ministry holding small group bible studies. They often were the host home for many gatherings and celebrations with family and friends.
Bertie was a huge Los Angeles Dodgers baseball fan, and a collector of late model vehicles. He also enjoyed soft music like, Dorothy Ashby’s “Flighty” and Bolero, a ballet by Maurice Ravel. He enjoyed going to get his newspaper, reading about current events, especially politics.
He was called to his heavenly home on January 15th, 2021 after a relatively short illness.
He leaves to mourn his son, Jimmy, whom he loved dearly, his daughter in-law Ernestine and beloved grandson Alexander James “AJ.” Also, a host of nieces, nephews (who endeared him with the name “Baba”), cousins, friends and loving neighbors.
Bertie was always there for his family that he loved. He will be missed, and his gentleness will be remembered.
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