James Stanford Edgett

James Stanford Edgett was born July 29th, 1936 in Warren PA near where his Swedish ancestors had settled. His childhood was spent between there and Pittsburgh where he had many friends, cousins, loving relatives, and adventures. As a child, he loved all aspects of being in nature including hiking, fishing, swimming, sailing, canoeing, hunting, camping, and animals. He was a natural artist, learned carpentry and engineering skills early on, and built a cabin cruiser by age 17.
Jim met Mary Louise White of Busti, NY at Jamestown Community College and they began a family of five soon thereafter. He designed and built their family home in Millcreek by age 30. Jim was employed by the architectural firm Haldgren Restifo and Loop where he helped design many area schools and commercial buildings before he set off on his own venture as a designer/builder of custom homes, churches, and commercial establishments throughout Erie County. The family home was filled with the whimsical sculptures, paintings, and drawings he created over the years. He was often found converting an object of nature or something old into a lamp, a bird, or a garden ornament.
As a father, he was deeply devoted to his family and carried a special fondness for his pets, especially his best dog-friend Jake. Nothing made him happier than to have everyone gathered together. Every Christmas he and Marylou would create an elaborate Swedish smorgasbord complete with family recipes including his famous Swedish homemade sausage, Korv, and the house would be decorated with a Swedish theme. Whenever needed, the house was converted into "Camp Edgett" to accommodate his many grandchildren" and visitors. He was known for his zingers and levity at unexpected moments.
Some of his favorite recent activities included the Erie Yacht Club where he kept his sailboat, competing in the annual cardboard boat race, singing with or to grandchildren, trips to sunny Florida, spending time with his family in Atlanta, and visiting his family woodlot in Scandia, PA.
Jim Edgett is survived by Marylou, his wife of 63 years and four of his children; Karin Edgett Washington DC, Susan Edgett (Bob) Atlanta, Chris Edgett (Kate) Erie, and Annie Edgett Sanner (Dave) Erie, ten grandchildren; Liliana, Billie, Adelaide, Christopher, Helene, Luci, Neil, Will, Katrina, Savannah, his sister Jane Scudder and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his son Jimmy earlier this year who he will meet again in heaven.
We all took his love, devotion, sense of humor, and creativity for granted. His presence enriched all who knew him and though he will be missed, his spirit will remain with us always.
Jim ascended into heaven on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at The Residences at Presque Isle Bay in Erie, PA surrounded by family.
Friends are invited to call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th St on Wednesday from 3:00 until the time of a service at 6:00pm. Condolences to www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Memory of Jimmy Edgett to the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation 100 Barber Place, Erie PA 16507 Or online https://www.barberinstitute.org/giving/make-a-donation