James Oliver Edwards

James Oliver Edwards On December 1, 2022, James fell peacefully asleep and is awaiting the return of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. James was born in West Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia on July 7, 1932. He was the third child born to John Rufus and Nellie Manchester Wilson Edwards. James was a former member of First Baptist Church West Norfolk. He was a product of Norfolk County Schools and graduated from Norfolk County High in 1950. After graduation he enlisted the United States Coast Guard and is a Korean War Veteran. James met and married the love of his life, the late India Ellen Eaton on December 5,1952 in Boston, Mass. They were married for 70 years. Upon honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, James attended Boston University, where he received a B.S in engineering. James was employed by Northeastern Airlines as an FAA licensed aviation technician. In 1973, when Northeastern Airlines merged with Delta Airlines he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. He retired from Delta Air Lines in December of 1992 after 40 years of service. In 1963, in Boston, Mass, James joined Prince Hall Grand Lodge #1 and held various leadership roles including 32ndDegree Grand Master. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and lodge brothers. James’ favorite pastimes were singing, playing hymns on the piano, deep sea fishing, serving as a member of the auxiliary board of the LuckieStreet YMCA-Boxing Gym (Atlanta, GA), and vacationing with India and their best friends. He faithfully served as a deacon and longstanding superintendent of the vocational bible school at Traveler’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Hapeville, GA. James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife India, his son William Jeff Edwards, his sisters Bernice, Olivia, Carolyn and Nellie; his brothers John, Roland, Quinton, Eddie, and Alvin. He leaves to cherish his memory: two daughters Vanessa Beard (Charles), Stone Mountain, GA and Cynthia Wright, Tucker, GA, son, James Edwards, Jr. Boston, Mass., six grandsons( John, Jason and James Henderson, Issacs and Michael Edwards and Joshua Wright), ten great grands, four great-great-grands, sister, Marian Ash (Willie), Portsmouth, VA., two sisters-in-law Clotilde Edwards (Roland), Providence, RI and Katie Edwards (Eddie), Arlington, MA; a god sister, Vida Gibson, Portsmouth, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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James Oliver Edwards

July 7, 1932 - December 1, 2022