Jimmy David Edlemon

On Sunday, November 20th, 2016 Jimmy David Edlemon of Davenport, Iowa, succumbed to his hard fought battle with Cancer, to begin his new journey with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jimmy was born on March 26, 1944 in Keiser, AR. Among many additional family members, Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, David Edward; mother Vera Mae; sister, Patsey Ruth and brother, Charles. Foremost, Jimmy's love for his wife, Norma, had no bounds. After a tour in Vietnam arriving stateside on May 13th, 1966, he met Norma on June 13th, 1966. From the moment their eyes met they were inseparable married two months later and spent 51 wonderful years loving each other, traveling the globe, and raising a truly thankful family. Jimmy spent his career as an expert in industrial material handling, 35 of those years with Hupp Toyota Lift (PowerLift) and additional years with Liftruck Service and Midland. Although Jimmy witnessed some of humanity’s darkest hours during his tour in Vietnam, he never stopped believing in the goodness of people or his love and passion for our great nation. He never met a stranger, anyone who had the honor to meet this great man, was blessed in wonderful conversation and instant friendship. Among being a patriot and a combat veteran (Army), a Chicago Cubs, Bears and Iowa Hawkeye super-fan, a Christian, a Conservative Republican, a fisherman, a lover of animals, a gardener, a business leader and mentor, "Coach" Jimmy was a man so teeming of life, passion, dignity and love that words alone cannot describe the goodness and fullness of his heart. As an avid sports enthusiast, Jimmy was so proud that he lived to witness the Chicago Cubs World Series victory and was looking forward to the upcoming Hawkeye Football Bowl and Basketball season. He never missed a game. He also enjoyed watching outdoor television, specifically Alaskan Bushman, Alaska the Last Frontier and Naked and Afraid as well as Fox News. Jimmy is survived and loved by his beautiful wife and best friend of 51 years, Norma; their three children, Eleanor (Porter) and Jimmy of Davenport, IA and Joseph of Evans, GA; six granddaughters, Allison, Sydney, Hallie, Abigail, Mia and Alina; amazing son-in-law and daughters-in-law, Anthony Porter, Kathy (Bopp) and Aleksandra (Zirovcic); life-long friends, Johnny and Sandi Ortega; many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and an abundance of friends. Please join the family as they mourn and honor Jimmy's life. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the Runge Mortuary followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m.in the Runge Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com. The family wishes to thank the staff at Beacon of Hope and St. Mary's Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for the kindness and compassion shown to Jimmy and family during their time of need.