James Harold "Sr." Edwards

James H. Edwards

Obituary

James Harold Edwards was born on July 7, 1938, in Columbia, MO to Jessie and Louella (Williams) Edwards. James was the fifth of eleven children and was affectionately known as "Eggman". He graduated from Douglass High School followed by two years in the United State Marine Corp. James loved the sport of football and had quite a career. During his time in the Marine Corp James played Half-back on the Atsugi Navy Marine Flyers Football Team where he earned honors of Player of the Week and Player of the Month. After James' military career ended he earned a full ride football scholarship to Adams State University in Alamosa, CO. In 1962 he earned NAIA Football All-American of which he was extremely proud. James also played football with the Grand Rapids Blazers Semi-professional football and one season with the Montreal Alouttes where injuries ended his career. In 2013 James' was invited back to Alamosa, CO where his 1962 Football Team was inducted into the Adams State University Hall of Fame. James earned a B.A. in Education from Adams State University and an M.A. in Secondary Education from Michigan State University. He enjoyed wearing his MSU green and white everywhere he went.

James met and married the love of his life Annie (Ashby)Edwards, and they celebrated 61 years of marriage on April 24, 2025. They raised four wonderful children who followed his love for sports.

James worked for the Grand Rapids Public Schools for thirty-eight years and retired in 2003. At Ottawa Hills High School he held the position Assistant Principal, Wood Shop and Physical Education Teachers, Assistant Track and Wrestling Coach. At Central High School and Harrison Park Middle Schools he served as Assistant Principal. His educational career ended after 16 years as a high school completion teacher at Kent County Corrections. James was a quiet giant who encouraged his students to succeed.

James also was a member of the TA-WA-SI Athletic Association which serviced Grand Rapids with highly-rated athletic activities. He often could be found working the concessions during their Invitational College Basketball Games at the Paul I Phillip Center. He was also an avid bowler in the Twenty-Four Club League and the Phase Three bowling Leagues. He loved golfing in local tournaments and loved spending time fishing with his grandchildren.

James was a God-fearing man who loved the Lord and found pleasure in serving on the Trustee Board at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church until his passing. He made himself available to do anything that needed to be done in the church. In addition to devoting his time to his church, James served as an Ombudsman in the Grand Rapids Negro Business and Professional Women's Club along with his wife until his health began to fail.

Preceding him in death are his parents Jessie and Louella Edwards, Son Dr. James Edwards II, Brothers Roscoe Harvey, Roy Hicks, George Edwards, Thomas Edwards, Sisters Mary Cross, Dorothy Rowles, Patsy Nelson, Wanda Incle, Vickie Battles.

James is survived by his wife Annie, children Keith Edwards (Ruthann), Paul Edwards, Aletha Edwards (Jamela), Daughter -in-law Kendra Edwards, Rancho Mirage, CA. All his children followed his love of sports.

He was known as "PA" to his grandchildren: Keisha Brown (Tyrone) Savannah, GA, Tao Edwards, Keigan Edwards (Drew), Nia Edwards, Danielle Walker (Ken) Masa, AZ, Nathan Edwards, Alex Edwards (Sylvia), Riley Edwards all Grand Rapids, Jewell Edwards, Long Beach, CA, Alyssa Edwards, Kyra Edwards, Rancho Mirage, CA and JaRaJi Dewberry-Edwards, Chicago. Five great-grandchildren that he loved to get down on the floor and play games with when they were young: Julian Davis, Justin Davis, Jayden Brown, JaCari Brown all of Savannah, GA, Veda Holmes of Grand Rapids, Sister Edith Edwards (Lawrence) Prince, Columbia, MO. Sister-in-law Mary Edwards, Long Beach, CA. A host of many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Family.