James Earl Edwards

Jimmy was born in Suffolk, Virginia on January 29, 1937 to Nathaniel “Nat” and Gladys Edwards. He was raised in Windsor, Virginia (Isle of Wight County) and graduated from Windsor High School in 1955. He then received a Bachelor’s Degree from Hampden-Sydney College in 1959, where he was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

After graduation Jimmy served in the Virginia Air National Guard from 1960-1964 and was activated from 1961-1962 during the Berlin Crisis at Langley Field. He then worked in Sales and Management for Virginia Paper Company/Crown-Zellerbach for 30 years. He loved gardening and being outside, was a sports enthusiast who always supported his children and grandchildren, even attending out-of-state games, and was a huge fan of the NY Yankees and NC State. Jimmy always had an interest in history and enjoyed watching World War II and western movies. His greatest gift was helping; as he lived his life serving the Lord and others. He was known as a regular greeter on Sunday mornings at church, a money counter, and a volunteer you could always depend on.

Jimmy was married to Betty Edwards on September 5, 1959; they were married for 62 years.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, and four children: Catherine Lull (Andy) of Raleigh, NC; Susan Surratt (Tim) of Pawleys Island, SC; Brad Edwards (Claire) of Alexandria, VA; and Anne Elizabeth Harrell (Matt) of Raleigh NC. “Pop-Pop’s” ten grandchildren: Jordan Lull (Josh Price), Josh Lull (Ann Marie), Elizabeth Surratt Hubbard (Austin), Catherine Surratt, Anne Thomas Surratt, Anne Macon Edwards, James Edwards, Adair Edwards, Ebie Harrell, and Matthew Harrell. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Macon and Pam Edwards of Windsor, VA, niece Lee Edwards Davis, nephew Nathan Edwards, and their families.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents.

The celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 9 at 1:00 pm at Crossroads Fellowship, 2721 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. Pastor Doug Gamble will be officiating. Visitation will be held after the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Crossroads Fellowship Missions, 2721 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Matthew 20: 26-28 “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”