Jay C. EDWARDS

1937 - 2018

EDWARDS, Jay C. Jay C. Edwards, 81, of York Harbor, Maine and Frenchman's Reserve in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida passed away on November 29, 2018 after a wonderful life filled with laughter, love, family and friends. Jay was a leader throughout his lifetime as President of his high school class and Chair of many civic and charitable organizations including: 3 term Member of the Portsmouth City Council, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the New Hampshire Port Authority, President of the North Church, and President of the Lion's Club where he created an annual golf tournament to benefit the blind. Jay's sense of duty and service began early in his life, wove its way through his years in the Navy and blended seamlessly into his professional life. A successful entrepreneur, Jay owned numerous businesses including Edwards Harborside Inn Bed & Breakfast and Marina in York Harbor, Maine and Edwards Toyota, an automobile dealership in Portsmouth N.H. In 1983 he received Time Magazine's Quality Dealer Award - the automobile industry's most prestigious and coveted award for car dealerships recognizing exceptional performance and distinguished community service. Jay was a gifted dancer and musician with a secret wish to one day conduct an orchestra. A self-taught piano player, Jay wrote the music and lyrics for Portsmouth's 350th anniversary song and played the part of Frank Jones in a local production. An accomplished Captain of numerous vessels and yachts, Jay traversed the ocean with great expertise. He loved nothing more than being on the open seas and cruising with the Yacht Clubs of Admiral's Cove and Portsmouth. While his public accomplishments and successes were many, Jay's greatest gifts were his love of family and his quiet, behind-the-scenes generosity. Never needing the spotlight, he often left anonymous donations, financial and otherwise, for organizations and individuals. If you bagged his groceries and shared a smile, he was likely to drop a $20 bill in your hand on his way out. Jay was a man of great wisdom and wit with a keen ability to intuit the needs of others. His passing leaves a void that cannot be measured. Jay is survived by his wife, Sherle (Stevenson) Edwards; his three children Deborah Edwards Dube of Portsmouth, N.H. and her husband, Mark, Linda Edwards Beal of Portsmouth, N.H. and her husband, Chris; Michael J. Edwards of Portsmouth, N.H. and his wife, Leanne, grandchildren Nicholas Beal, Julianne Edwards, Nathan Edwards, Zachary Edwards, Christopher Edwards, siblings Russell Edwards, Lorraine Drewry, and Jeffrey Edwards, Mother-in-law, Lillian Stevenson and Yorkshire Terrier & best buddy, Brady. He was predeceased by his father, Walter Russell Edwards (1992) and his mother, Doris (Jackson) Edwards (2004). Services: A celebration of life will take place at the North Church in Portsmouth, N.H. on Monday, December 17, 2018 at 1:00. Calling hours will be held from 1:00 - 4:00 on December 16, 2018 at J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth, N.H. A private graveside service will take place at Blanchard Cemetery in Falmouth, Maine at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Kids Five & Over, an organization founded by Jay's daughter which mirrors his deep commitment to youth and community (kidsfiveandover.org/donations) or to a charity of your choice. For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home Buckminster Chapel.