In addition to his wife of 67 years, Jim is survived by his daughters, Lisa Harwood and Elaine Edenfield, grandchildren Allison Harwood Campbell (Ben), Jamie Harwood Sullins (Jackson), Jay Edenfield, Knox Edenfield and Michael Edenfield, and great grandchildren Ellie Grace Campbell and James Thomas Campbell.
He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Page Edenfield, brother-in-law Phil Thacker (Nancy), sister-in-law Libby Thacker Koenig and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Clyde and Myrtle Edenfield, sister Judith Tucker and his son, Mike Edenfield.
Jim was the ultimate family man. Nothing was better than watching his children and “grands” grow. He loved being with them at all of their sports events, plays and concerts. Jim’s quiet but quick sense of humor entertained all his family and friends. He was especially happy when he was with family and friends in the fields of his beloved “Muckalee” watching the dogs work a covey of quail.
Jim was a proud graduate of Georgia Tech. The day after graduation he received his commission in the US Navy and the day after that he married his college sweetheart, Norma. They spent their honeymoon travelling to Key West where Jim began his service of three years in the Navy, ending as Operations Officer on the destroyer USS Saufley. In 1970 he and business partner Thomas L. Newberry co-founded American Software Inc. Jim led the company as President for many years, then as CEO and later Chairman of the Board of Directors until his retirement in 2024.
Throughout their long and happy marriage Jim and Norma enjoyed travelling the world, attending Georgia Tech football and basketball games, and just sitting in the backyard watching the sun go down.
Jim’s family would like to express our deep appreciation to the wonderful nurses who cared for him during the last few years: Arnetta Climpson, Lonetta Kingcannon, Christmas Ellison and Georgia Miller. We also wish to thank Cira Wiggins and Darrell Marshall whose help and kindness was very much appreciated.
Jim’s memorial service will be held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm, with a reception following at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Georgia Tech Athletics Association, Alexander-Tharpe Fund, 150 Bobby Dodd Way, Atlanta, GA 30332 or to Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, attn. Business Office.
