James Ray Edwards

James Ray Edwards, 88, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at his residence. He leaves his wife of 69 years, June Eleonor Edwards; his son, Kenneth Edwards and wife, KC; his daughter, Debra June Edwards; his sister, Luann Hendrix and her husband, Billy; his niece, Mimi and nephew, Kurt and their spouses; his granddaughter, Krista Combs and her husband, Clay; one great-granddaughter, Cadence; and many close friends. Born on December 29, 1928 and raised in Edgewood, Texas, the son of Luther Maston and Irene (Russell) Edwards, he was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Florida. In his early years, Mr. Edwards grew up on the farm, drove the local school bus while in high school and enjoyed sports. After graduating from Edgewood High School in 1946, where he relished playing football with his nickname “Big Dog”, he enlisted in the United States Navy, in spite of the offer of a football scholarship to Tulane University. After Boot Camp in San Diego, CA, he was assigned duties as an Aviation Storekeeper at the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL. While on duty in Jacksonville, he was offered a scholarship to the United States Naval Academy, which he declined. He met his wife, June Nielsen, through another girlfriend and they were married in 1948 in Folkston, Georgia. After serving with the Navy, Mr. Edwards had the opportunity to join the Post Office in Jacksonville. In 1975, after serving as a postal carrier for over two decades, he was promoted to supervisor at Mandarin Post Office. He remained an employee of the post office for almost 35 years. Mr. Edwards not only took pride in his career, he truly relished the friends he made during his time in the post office and entire life. Over the years, his personal skills and reputation served him well, resulting a large circle of life-long friendships. Jimmy Edwards never met an individual who didn’t leave as a friend. Mr. Edwards had a passion for animals and sports, particularly the Dallas Cowboys. He picked up his first beloved pet while carrying mail, and was allowed to share his home with two Jack Russell terriers. In 2001, a botched surgery left him disabled. A robust, loving individual, he still managed to carry-on for almost two decades, despite his affliction and constant pain. A devoted husband and father, he remained in constant touch with his loved ones, always willing and eager to lend a helping assist, wherever and whenever possible. He was a life-long member of St Mark’s Lutheran Evangelical Church of Jacksonville. A memorial service is planned for mid-August in his hometown of Edgewood, Texas, where a service near his mother and father’s grave will be followed by a scattering of his ashes on his childhood farm.