F.K. Jones Funeral Home | Rome, GA

Obituary For Mr. James Edwards

Honoring the life and legacy of James Vincent Edwards

James peacefully entered eternal rest on August 17, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Sherry and daughter, Latifah.

James was born July 24, 1963, in Jacksonville, FL to the late Mr. Hillmus and Mrs. Annie-Ruth Edwards. He was the fifth of nine children born to that union. James graduated from Edward H. White High School in 1981 and from there sought out to be a sailor in the powerful United States Navy. While serving in the military, James specialized in aviation and aircraft handling (ABH). Throughout his naval career, James served at multiple duty stations and served onboard many aircraft carriers including the: USS America CV-66, USS Forrestal CV-59, USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER CVN 69, USS BOXER LHD-4, USS KITTY HAWK CV63, and the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CVN 73. James defended his country by serving in the Gulf War, Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of James’ greatest accomplishments was being promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, also known as Air Bos’n. James retired honorably from the Navy in 2010 after serving 28 years. James always strived for excellence; this tenacity allowed him to acquire many accolades throughout his career.

After retiring, James pursued higher education. He graduated from Florida State College in Jacksonville with an Associates of Arts in 2011. He then went on to get a Bachelor of Arts in History from Jacksonville University in 2012.

After serving his country for so long, James found a way to serve his community. He went back to teach at the same middle school he graduated from, JEB Stuart Middle School and Mattie V Rutherford Educational Center. James took a special honor and pride in serving and leadership. God used James to influence many lives.

James married the love of his life, Sherry of Adairsville, on September 3rd, 1988; they were going on 35 years of marriage! To this union, they birthed a beautiful daughter, Latifah, in 1990. As a family, they created and cherished many memories. They traveled the world visiting several different countries including, Japan, Spain, Germany, Italy, France and many more.

James developed a love and gift for music and photography. Sharing the love of photography with his daughter, James pursued starting a business with her called Frozen in Time Photography LLC. When he wasn’t serving, teaching, doing music, or photography, James engaged in another favorite pastime, eating! He enjoyed trying different restaurants.

James was blessed to make his milestone to 60 before his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hillmus and Annie Ruth Edwards, and sister Vanessa Edwards.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife and daughter, Sherry and Latifah. His brothers and sisters, Aquanetta Edwards, Christopher “Lamar” Edwards, Ronald Edwards, Donald Edwards, Cecilia “Ann” Edwards, Camillia (Harry) Richardson, Vanessa Edwards, Dewayne Edwards as well as brothers and sisters in love, Reginald (Melinda) Riley, Lisa Riley, Marcella Riley, Nita Riley, Rhonda Riley, and Deirdre (Billy) Creamer. Mother in Love, Doris Jean Riley. James also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, loved ones, and close friends.

Public Viewing -

Friday, September 1st at 6pm - 8pm

F.K. Jones Funeral Home

1205 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Rome, GA 30161

Homegoing Celebration:

Saturday, September 2nd at 2pm

The Church at Liberty Square

2001 Liberty Square Dr NE, Cartersville, GA 30121

Repast to Immediately Follow

Committal and Interment -

Tuesday, September 5th, at 11am

Georgia National Cemetery

1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, GA 30114

Family and friends are asked to wear red, black, or white.

Military personnels are asked to wear service uniform.

Guest Book

Thanks for your service sir fair winds and following seas.

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My Dear Sister in Christ, We were just informed of your loss, and our condolences go out to you and your daughter. You two rest now, knowing that you both did all you could so that Bro. James could now be at peaceful rest as well. We love you, and are here for you always! The Volasgis'

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To my Family I Love You all and My Prayer Is for God's Grace and Mercy to comfort us all during this time.

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The Koonce Family sends our prayers and condolences to Sherry and Latifiah and the Edwards extended family. We pray for a expeditious recovery. James and I served in Atusgi Japan and when I tell you of a genuine person, remarkable Sailor, dedicated Father and family man. He too was a mentor to me and this is a great loss to our society. We say "Fair Well and Calm Seas" to a Shipmate that has dedicated pratically half of his life to the country. You will be missed my friend and know that your bonds on this earth will not demenish, but continue to thrive in your name James Edward.

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An amazing person and what a remarkable life. He made a difference in so many lives. I'm so grateful to have been a part of his family. My deepest condolences. Love you. Belinda Carr and Family.

- Belinda Carr

As I ponder about times past my heart is heavy for Sherry, Latifah and all family and friends. Although we know this is not our home, but to be absent from the body is present with the Lord. James was serious, comical and placed Sherry and I together for a great match. When his father was ill they entrusted us with their pet dog., knowing full well I had no clue. Did not know how to groom him so when they returned I had given the dog a hair cut, and when my car stopped working he found a used motor to fix it and called stateside from Rota Spain to inform us. He encouraged my husband to go after what he want in life and he did. It has been an honor to know The Edwards family and they do have our condolences. My husband has been given the honor to pipe him ashore for the last time. It is just so good to know he knew the Lord.

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How do you share one memory when there are so many. Ed, you were the best person ever! You loved family and you were family. I can't recall a time I didn't hear you say "Let's take a picture"—-man, you will be missed and the one thing that will stand in my mind is your beautiful smile. To Sherry and Latifah and the family and friends we send love and condolences from VA. Sleep in peace Bosn—-we have the watch

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You were a great mentor to me aboard USS America CV-66. Your will of determination and integrity inspired me to do better aboard CV-66 and in Civilian life. Your spirit and memories lives on. Rest In Peace brother Ed. My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to family and love ones. ABH Tim Calloway

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It was an honor to serve with you Bos'n. You took a crew of random people and turned them into Sailors. I have never forgotten the lessons you taught us. Rest easy Sir, we have the watch. ABHCS Korinne Reese

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Have Mercy, LORD JESUS!!! The Queen Chapel Independent Methodist Church Family extend our Sincere Heartfelt PRAYERS, Love, Comfort, Peace, Concern and DEEPEST Heartfelt CONDOLENCES to Sister Sherry Riley Edwards, Daughter Latifah Edwards and the Riley - Edwards Family, Friends and Associates. Please know that The Queen Chapel Independent Methodist Church Family is sorry for your loss... Gone, But Never Forgotten... 🌹🇱🇷 RIH, The Late Retired United States Navy Chief Warrant Officer and Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Air Bos'n James Vincent Edwards.🌹🇱🇷 The LORD Is Our SHEPHERD!!! 🌹🙏💗✝️ Pastor Louise Young Harris and the Queen Chapel Independent Methodist Church Family Kingston, GA

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To the Edwards Family May loving memories of your brother James help you find peace." "Thinking of you and wishing you strength and comfort." "Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time." "You have my deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful person. Jackie Sampson-Stepherson

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To a man I met as a stranger that became a friend and later a brother for life. Your presence will be missed. Thank you for the memories aboard the U.S.S. America CV-66. See you on the other side. James Lockley

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Dad you were the first person I met when I got to cv66 and you made sure that I knew what to do and how to do it right I thank you my brother you rest in peace and take your rest ABH 2 Thomas White

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Condolences And Prayers Sent to The Edwards Family. A Salute to a Standup Guy. We'll Miss Your Presence And Your Unselfish Nature. You Fought a Good Fight. Now Take Your Rest From This Earthly Labour. Much Love And Respect. Nita Riley

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He was my Crash Bosn on the USS George Washington. As a young Sailor we looked up to our leaders for knowledge and guidance. Bosn Edwards never let a single second go by without spreading his experiences and wealth of knowledge with us. I remember sitting on the P-25 during flight ops, him walking up to me, "you know one of the best things about being on the flight deck? You can pass wind anytime you want and noone will know." He kept it real with us and I will forever remember his down to earth leadership. Rest easy Sir. From a young Airman AB at the time to now a Chief Petty Officer.

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Rest in Peace brother...you made sure people knew when you were around, there will be a void now that you're not. Forrestal Shipmate! 1990-1992

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Big Ed, you were always your brother's keeper no matter what. You always looked out for everyone and put yourself second. You were taken way too early, but God needed an Angel to keep good order and discipline in Heaven. Thank you for always being a great mentor, friend, and brother. Secure from flight quarters and rest easy brother. Until Valhalla! 🫡🙏

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It was an honor to serve with you on the ike and Rota Spain. You where more than a friend, you was a brother always willing to crack a joke and make any situation better. Fair winds an d following seas rest easy until we meet again shipmate

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To the Edwards families, So sorry for your loss! Praying & believing the light of his memory & the unfailing love of God thru Jesus Christ be your comfort & strength, now, and for the difficult days ahead.🙏🏾 -- Carlton, Michael, Michelle & Stephanie

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We love you and miss you cuz! Gone but never forgotten. Sherry, Latifah,Netta, Camillia, Lamar, Dewayne,Ann, Ronald and Donald we love you.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- F.K. Jones Funeral Home | Rome, GA

- Brittany Campbell