Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
JEFFERSON EDWARDS Obituary
EDWARDS JEFFERSON R. EDWARDS IV "J.R." Our beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away in a tragic car accident in Arlington, VA on April 17, 2015. J.R. was born to Jeff and Annette Edwards on January 13, 1989 in Charleston, SC. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, attending San Jose Catholic School, Bishop Kenny High School and Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville. He entered the United States Coast Guard in 2009 and proudly served in the Honor Guard. He entered the fitness industry and was employed by Fitness First and Gold's Gym as a Certified Personal Trainer. He currently held the position of Assistant General Manager at Balance Gym, Arlington VA. J.R. will be forever remembered by his loving family, parents, Jefferson Rathburn Edwards, III and Annette Zukley Edwards, brother, Zachary Peter Edwards, sister McKenzie Elizabeth Edwards, the love of his life, Pepper Wilson, and grandparents Betty Lou Zukley and Virginia Hall Wilson. He will be forever missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and numerous pets. He was preceded in death by his two grandfathers, Edward Leonard Zukley and Jefferson Rathburn Edwards, Jr. J.R. lived life to the fullest and left his footprint along the way. J.R.'s enormous appetite always made him hungry for more. Everyone he touched had a story to tell. The many he brought together will forever share a bond. Everything J.R. did was larger than life. J.R. was larger than life. J.R.'s splash was like a cannonball, we didn't just get wet, we got soaked. J.R. not only jumped, he catapulted. J.R. not only hugged you, he lifted you off your feet. J.R. not only lit up the room, he lit up the stadium. J.R. not only raised the flag, he flew it. J.R. didn't just take a sip, he took a gulp. J.R. wasn't just your friend, he was your brother. J.R. wasn't just funny, he brought you to tears. J.R. didn't just hang your stocking, he filled it. J.R. didn't just listen to the music, he danced. J.R. was comfortable in his own skin...especially when wearing pink. We all looked up to J.R...WAY UP...J.R. reached where none of us could. J.R's life was like swimming a 50 free, with a quick start, fast turn and hard finish. J.R's heart was bigger than a pot of gold. We thank God for allowing him to share a coin with each of us. Although our hearts are broken and his absence will leave a void, we will cherish the unforgettable stories, including those yet to be told. Even in death, J.R. has given the gift of life to many, through organ and tissue donation. The family requests memorial donations may be made in J.R's name to the Narcolepsy Network (http://narcolepsynetwork.org/) and St. Boniface Haiti Foundation (http://haitihealth.org/) Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, 2015, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at San Jose Catholic Church, 3619 Toledo Road, Jacksonville, FL. A Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, April 25, at 1:30 p.m. at San Jose Catholic Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JEFFERSON EDWARDS
June 17, 2015
Dr. Edwards and Family, I am sorry for your loss My prayers are with your family. I miss you all Sandra Hutto-Wolske
Susan Lohman
June 9, 2015
Annette&Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss of JR. I didn't know him growing up but I do remember when he was born and his first years. From what I read he turned out to be everything promised as a young child. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you continue to grieve the loss of your first born son.
May 26, 2015
Annette & Jeff:
The Maguire family joins in your loss , know that you and and your entire family will be in our prayers in the days and months to come.
God Bless you and Give you Strenth,
Mike and the Entire Maguire family
Brian Lisko
May 24, 2015
To JR's family,
We were so saddened to learn of his passing. We first met him at the Gold's Gym in Clarendon, Virginia when we became new members there a few years ago. My wife, teenage son and I all got to know him. He was a phenomenal young man--so friendly, helpful, professional and engaging.
I'm a Gator fan like JR, so we spent lots of time commiserating about Florida football and basketball. We'd even watch the Gators on the gym TV sometimes. He was passionate about the Gators, just like he was about life.
He was very humble, as well. For all the times we talked about the Coast Guard, he never told me he was in the Honor Guard or trained to be a Rescue Swimmer. I wished he could have stayed in the Coast Guard because he's exactly the type of person our Service needs.
We feel honored to have known JR, albeit, if only for a short while. He made such a positive impression on us that it will last a lifetime. We will never forget him. We continue to pray for his soul in heaven and for all those whose lives he touched in such meaningful and sincere ways.
Semper Paratus!
Brian (Captain, USCG), Lois and Patrick Lisko
Clarendon, Virginia
Tom Condon
May 6, 2015
Dear Jeff and Annette,
I am so sad learning of the loss of your son. Words cannot express my feelings and I hope you find peace and solace in knowing that you had the time you did with him. He sounds like he was every bit of the man I knew his father to be. And his father's father. I am so sorry.
Cheryl Brooks Weldon
May 4, 2015
So sorry for your loss of a beloved son, brother and friend.
May 1, 2015
To the parents, siblings and girlfriend of JR.... I am truly lost of words to say how sorry I am for your lost. I share your pain deeply, as I knew him well for the last year. He was my personal trainer and we trained 3 times a week. I shared a special bond with him, and loved him as if He was my own son. For the parents I would like to say He was undisputable one of the best human beings I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Superb in all ways. Handsome, kind, polite, patient, intelligent, sweet.
I meet with one other lady from my building who also had the pleasure of knowing him, and she describe him as an "alien" because he couldn't be any more perfect.
JR will forever missed in my heart
April 29, 2015
To the Edwards Family,
We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. You will be in our prayers.
The Stukel Family
Doug and Sue Johnson
April 29, 2015
Dear Jeff, Annette, and family:
Sue and I are deeply saddened by your loss. We were privileged to have watched JR grow over the years, and know that be best loved his country and his family. Per your suggestion, we have made a donation on his behalf to www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org
Love to you all.
Al Boulier
April 28, 2015
I was lucky enough to know JR and work with him at Ragtime. He would happily stop by to say hi every chance he got, even when he was just walking by on his way to working at the gym. One of the nicest guys I know, he will be sorely missed by the entire Ragtime family.
Ken Sullivan
April 27, 2015
Just learned the sad news. JR was without a doubt one the nicest young men a person would ever want to meet. I work in the building where he worked in the gym. He was a personal trainer for my boss. Heaven just became a better place now that JR is there. We will miss his can do, take charge, make it happen personality.
April 27, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Faye Hyken
Karolina and Athena Atencio
April 26, 2015
Our heart and prayers are with you, JR was very special to me and my daughter Athena, he lifted me up, he turned my bad days in good days, he was lifting me up during hard times. Athena truly adored him and always made her smile. He is in our hearts and He will be Athena's motivation in every tournament she will play. We love our big boy and we are terribly sorry. His big smile will always remain with each of us.
Doug and Terry Swartz
April 26, 2015
Doug and I are so terribly sorry about your recent tragedy. I pray for God's healing and will pray for Our Lady to be close to your family. Blessings to all , with much love, Doug & Terry
Azaret Rivera
April 25, 2015
My condolences to the family. Eddie you will always be remembered. Honor Guardsmen for ever big guy!!!
April 25, 2015
My deepest sympathy to your family. I loved J.R. He was a student at BK when I worked there and I knew him as a sweet, mischievious young man. He had an infectious smile and such an enormous personality! My heart broke for you when I heard he had passed. He was a great kid. Pat Smith
Merrilee Hysler
April 25, 2015
Dr. Edwards, I will keep your family and son in my prayers.
Waltina Pitts
April 25, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I did not work with him long, I could tell by his interaction with his coworkers and the children he worked with in the P.I.E. program that he was well liked and had a zest for life that was infectious. Rest easy shipmate.
Arnold & Janet Zeal
April 25, 2015
Jeff, Annette & family.
Our deepest condolences in your loss. Losing a child is tragic & we know JR was always a wonderful son, a gentleman, and a great person. He will be missed by many. We feel for you.
Gregory Jackson
April 25, 2015
To Dr. Edward and family I'm so sorry for your loss, may God blessing continue to shine on the family,and through the damily love for J. R. he and the memories shall forever live.
April 25, 2015
So sorry for you loss. If he is Dr. Edwards son, I know Dr. Edwards as he operated on my late husband in 2006. Wonderful person and Doctor. My prayers are with you.
Melanie Kindred
Yolanda Totten
April 25, 2015
When we were new to Jacksonville and my son Charles was with the Bishop Kenney swim team, Zach and your whole family were very kind and made him feel very welcome. We had always heard about Zach's big brother JR, and followed his career when he joined up with the Coast Guard. It was Charles, now an Ensign with the Coast Guard, who informed us of JR's accident. I know that if he could, he would have been here to pay his last respects to your son, a fellow Coastie and a brother. We are all saddened by his untimely passing. Please accept our sincerest condolence . May God bless JR. I know Charles is grateful to have JR and Zach as friends. Sincerely, Greg and Yolanda Totten, Ens. Charles Totten, CGA '14
Lucy Chastain
April 25, 2015
I am very sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. Please know that you are all being remembered in my prayers. Special ones for Zach and McKenzie.
May God bring you His Love and Comfort.
Karen Meyer
April 25, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Lindsay Zahra
April 25, 2015
My sincerest thoughts, condolences and prayers go to JR's family, friends and girlfriend. Although I've only hung out with JR a few times, I feel honored to have known him and seen him daily at the gym. His sunny disposition and bubbly personality always made me smile. It's evident that he has had a profounding and everlasting effect on everyone who has come into his life. Undoubtedly, JR has left his mark in this world and he will always serve as a reminder to live life to its fullest just as he did. Bless his heart.
Jenny Primeaux
April 25, 2015
JR Edwards, you will never be forgotten, you where truly one of a kind.. My deepest condolences to your family , girlfriend and all your friends .. There will be a empty place in many hearts with your absence.
Kelly, George, Grant and Sierra Biastre
April 25, 2015
Our condolences to your family. We know words cannot erase the heartache you are suffering, but please know that we are praying for all of you that time will help ease the pain you are suffering. With deepest sympathy.
Pamela Burroughs-Rein
April 25, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Miss Bee~
April 25, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the entire Edwards Family for the loss of your son, brother, and cousin. JR was a special man. I hope that your memories will help you through these very difficult times.
Nancy & Steve Buckler
April 24, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! may you feel the warmth of our Lord as He carries you through this great loss. May you always feel JR close in sweet memories and the great love that still connects you all.
Love, the Buckler Family
April 24, 2015
Warren & Joanne Powers, O 0f M
Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon J. R. and all the Edwards family. Grant them your blessing and surround them with your constant love and consolation.
April 24, 2015
Jeff and family, I am devastated to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Susan Schondelmaier
Allison Dewan
April 24, 2015
So sorry for the loss. JR was a great guy and he will be missed. Sending my condolences.
Richard and Christy Rukab
April 24, 2015
Dr. Edwards and family
I am so sorry for this tragic loss. I pray for strength for all of you during this difficult time and may God rest his soul.
V W
April 24, 2015
My deepest sympathy to family and friends who grieve your loss. 'May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father...comfort your hearts and make you firm in every good deed and word.'
Brandon Williams
April 24, 2015
My deepest sympathy to all of the Eddie's Family. I have never met a more charismatic, loyal, and humble person in all my life. His entire family will be in my prayers.
Sandy McCorvey
April 24, 2015
There are no words that can ease the pain. There is no way to explain the unexplainable. There is no way to understand "why?" But we are a people of faith and there is great love and heartfelt prayer from all of us who love you all. My prayer is that somehow, knowing that, it will lift you up and comfort you. May God bless you all with the grace and great strength you need each day ahead.
Christine Hicks
April 24, 2015
Prayers for your family in this difficult time.
Libby Simmons
April 24, 2015
Extremely blessed to have known JR throughout high school. An amazing man who touched many lives, he will be remembered forever. <3 Rest in peace JR
Judy Newkirk
April 24, 2015
Dr. Edwards and Family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. It sounds like he will be with you forever with your memories.
Randy Drucker
April 24, 2015
It was truely a pleasure to know Jr and touch the life of a great family our prayers are with you
Jim and Barbara Fuller
April 24, 2015
We are praying for your family at this time when your hearts are hurting deeply. May the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort be ever present with you.
(2 Corin. 1:3)
Terri Siess
April 24, 2015
May this candle remind us that there is always light with God and He will show us the way through our darkest times.
April 24, 2015
Dear Annette & Jeff,
I wish you so much love and courage at this difficult time. This is so unreal to me. I remember Annette asking me if I could pick J.R. up for Pre-K when the day came to have MacKenzie as if it were yesterday. What a wonderful (and BIG!) guy he was. I will send many prayers and light a candle. Much Love and a million kisses all of you. TERRI XO
Sally Logan
April 23, 2015
My heart goes out to your family. I'm so so sorry for your loss. I will pray that you find peace and comfort .... somehow.
Terry Humphrey
April 23, 2015
Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Dr. Edwards and family. May The Lord blanket you in his comfort and peace now and the days ahead.
Kathy Minnis
April 23, 2015
Our heart goes out to your family. The loss of child/grandchild is so painful. We share your grieft. Our prayers are with you and your family.
April 23, 2015
My prayers are with your family.
Cindy Nettleton
April 23, 2015
You are in our prayers during this difficult time.
Zarou Family
April 23, 2015
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Edwards family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Charles and Carolyn Nofal
April 23, 2015
Our prayers are with the Edwards Family during these difficult times. RIP JR
Ish & Carol Copley
Carolyn Gentry
April 23, 2015
I am sharing your sorrow. Peace and comfort to your family.
Karen Trone
April 23, 2015
My sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Jefferson Rathburn Edwards IV. May your faith give you strength. May your memories give you comfort. May GOD'S love give you peace. Thank you Jefferson Rathburn Edwards IV for my freedoms. You are my Hero.
April 23, 2015
Our prayers are with the Edwards family as we remember J.R. and his impish grin. May you all find peace and comfort in the love that surrounds you at this tragic time.
Carol McKenna and family
Marie Stevens
April 23, 2015
My deepest sympathy to all of the Edwards family. I was a member of San Jose Catholic for many years and my son was in his class. It was a shock to hear and I cannot express how sorry I am that he was taken from all those who loved him.
April 23, 2015
Our love and prayers are with your family.
Karen & Jim Berry
Showing 1 - 59 of 59 results
Make a Donation
in JEFFERSON EDWARDS's name
Memorial Events
for JEFFERSON EDWARDS
How to support JEFFERSON's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor JEFFERSON EDWARDS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
