Mr. James Edwards

Passed 08/17/2023

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