James L Edwards

James Leslie Edwards, lovingly known as Jim, passed away on May 30, 2026 in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 95. He was born in Pacific, Washington on April 21, 1931 to Louis and Velma (Blanchett) Edwards. He grew up alongside his brother, Richard and sisters, Donna and Evelyn. The values of family, hard work, and a love for the outdoors that shaped his early years, remained with him throughout his life.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force after graduating High School and was involved in the post WWII rebuilding effort in Wiesbaden, Germany. He enjoyed his time overseas and shared many of those stories with family and friends.

During his service overseas, he became pen pals with Iris Ann Folger of Oklahoma. Their correspondence blossomed into a lasting friendship and eventually marriage. Together they welcomed two sons, Alan and Daniel, who remained a source of pride throughout Jim's life. Jim moved to Wichita to be closer to Iris’ family. He began work at the City of Wichita Water Department then at the old Forum building. As Century II was being built, he transitioned to performing boiler maintenance for the new complex. After it opened, he worked his way up to Maintenance Supervisor over not only Century II, but also the City Library, the Omnisphere and the Art Museum. He was well respected and hard working, and was much loved by his employees, who he saw as friends. He retired from that position and enjoyed 40 blessed years of retirement.

Jim met and married his wife Odie in 1985 after a divorce from his first wife. Jim loved Odie, with a love like no other. He spent 41 years by her side, telling her every day she was his life, and the reason for him to wake up that day. He never missed an opportunity to tell her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. This love never faded, never compromised, and never failed her.

Although he had a blended family, they were all his, and he never treated anyone like they were different. He loved them all as his own, and treated all of his children and grandchildren as if they were special.

Jim was a great man, and if you knew him, you were lucky.

Ever the mountain man and Washingtonian at heart, he was strong like the lumberjack heritage engrained in him by his forefathers; born of nature he loved the outdoors. A true outdoorsman, Jim loved hunting trips back to Washington, spending time outdoors, and keeping his yard looking its best. He was happiest when he was active, whether heading into the woods, mowing the lawn, or simply enjoying the outdoors. He continued elk and deer hunting in Colorado into his sixties and in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas well after that. He loved to fly fish in his younger years and broke out the rod and flies whenever he was by a mountain stream. He loved horses and went on many trail rides on his Palomino stallion “Diablo”. Jim was also a talented woodworker who enjoyed whittling and carving. Family members treasured the intricate wooden chains he carved from a single piece of wood, a testament to his patience, skill, and craftsmanship.

Jim believed strongly in God and Jesus Christ. He sang church hymns in a beautiful harmony that made you want to join in, even if you didn’t know the words. Jim also played the harmonica by ear and sang his two favorite songs “The Wabash Cannonball” and “Kaw-liga” without missing a beat.

Jim had a gift for making people smile. He loved to hold babies and swing them in his arms while singing silly songs, and bouncing them full of joy. Jim was known for his great humor, quick wit, and playful flirting. He loved to tell jokes, sometimes even some colorful ones. He loved playing tunes on his harmonica and never missed an opportunity to entertain children with his famous Donald Duck impression. His laughter, storytelling, and mischievous sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew him.

Jim loved trains so much that it made you believe he was an engineer on an old steam engine in a prior life. His love for trains stemmed from growing up in and around the logging camps in Washington state. Jim was perhaps best known for his incredible train collection and miniature train displays. Over many years, he spent countless hours creating an elaborate train exhibit with an impressive layout – there are mountains and towns named after Odie, kids, and grandkids, that filled an entire room of his basement. The display became a treasured attraction for family, friends, and especially his grandchildren, who delighted in the detailed miniature world he carefully built. It was a labor of love that brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to experience it. Many of the locomotives, cars and trestles in his collection were ones that he had seen as a boy.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Odie; his sons, Alan (Melanie) and Daniel; eleven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Velma Edwards; his sisters, Donna and Evelyn; his brother, Richard; and other loved ones who welcomed him home.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 5-8 PM at Hillside Funeral Home West, located at 2929 West 13th Street North, Wichita, KS 67203. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the same location. Committal will immediately follow at Kechi Township Cemetery, located at 6523 N. Hillside Avenue Park City, Kansas 67219.