James Vaughan "Jim" Edwards

1930 - 2022

James Vaughan "Jim" Edwards of Sedalia, MO, passed away on February 10, 2022, with his children by his side. He was born on November 23, 1930, in Kirksey, KY. He was the son of Barber and Odie Edwards. On December 30, 1951, he married his wife of 70 years, Nella Jean Workman, currently a resident of Sylvia G Thompson Residence Center.
Jim retired as manager of the JC Penney store in Sedalia in 1990, worked in various positions in Mayfield, KY, and was promoted to management in Indiana and Ohio stores. He enjoyed his time with Penney's and cherished the many friends he and his wife, Jean, made in each town. Upon retirement, he and Jean enjoyed traveling around the country in their motor home until they eventually purchased a place in Arcadia, FL, where they stayed during the winter months. Jim's great love was music, especially gospel music. He served as music director at several area churches, including New Hope Baptist Church and Camp Branch Baptist Church. Jim played the piano and sang in several gospel groups in KY, IN, FL, and MO. He also made several recordings with various groups, sang in hundreds of churches, performed on radio and television, and performed in the old Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN. Jim fondly credits his father's career with Vaughan Publishing Company, widely recognized as a significant influencer of southern gospel music's vast popularity, as a considerable influence on his love for music. Jim wrote numerous songs, including "The Sedalia Song." Jim sang in the choir at Calvary Baptist Church, where he attended until passing to his eternal home.
Jim was active for over 40 years in the Rotary Club of Sedalia and Murray, KY. He was named Sedalia Rotarian of the Year in 1990, served as President of the downtown merchant's association, and was a member of the Salvation Army board. Jim enjoyed owning antique cars and attending car shows and was a Show-Me Model A Club member. He loved sports, especially basketball, which he played in high school, and Jim enjoyed watching the Chiefs.
Survivors include his wife, Jean; son, Jeff Edwards, and wife, Nancy of Sedalia; daughter, Jeanna Holmes, and husband, Mark of Springfield, MO; grandchildren, Angela Danner, and husband, Cody of Waverly, MO; Jaclyn Boatright, and husband, Matt of Ozark, MO; Michael Edwards, and wife, Candy of Pleasant Hill, MO; Jonathan Holmes, and wife, Amber of Ozark, MO; and eleven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Rev. Jonathan Holmes and Rev. Jonathan Wallenbeck officiating.
Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 14, 2022, at Heckart Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.