James Roger Edwards

October 10, 1940 - March 10, 2021
James Roger Edwards

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James Roger “Jimmy” Edwards of Bath, age 80, died at home March 10th, 2021. He was one of seven children born to Harley and Ruby Edwards. Sisters Frances Zacchio, Viola Lupton, Ellen Heck, and brother Bobby live locally, while brother Hilton and sister Sylvia Hawkinson passed away before him.

Jimmy graduated Bath High School in 1959 and received both Bachelors and Masters degrees from ECU. In 1977, he founded Charcoal Service Corporation in Bath. He was active in the Department of Energy Airborne Waste Management and Air Cleaning Conferences and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In his later life, Jimmy played Johnny Appleseed and Ben Franklin for elementary school classes and Bathfest. He was a prior President of the Bath High School Preservation Society. He and first wife Judy Edwards have two children, Marci Edwards and husband Larry Vrooman with their son Jameson Edwards of Winterville, and Jay Edwards and wife Anna of Washington. Jimmy and his second wife Polly Edwards, who predeceased him, have a daughter Mandi Edwards in Ohio. Third wife Melba Tuten Edwards also passed on before him. He loved being a bonus Granddaddy to her children and grandchildren.

Jimmy enjoyed golf, cooking for his Washington Country Club friends, reading and writing, and being the life of all parties. For many years he was involved in Bath Christian Church. He played guitar and banjo badly and with gusto. From Jimmy, his children learned a third to a half of the lyrics of hundreds of folk songs, to walk barefoot in the woods, unafraid and purple with blueberries, and to enjoy the company of others. Family will receive visitors at his home at 4692 Hwy 92E Bath on Sunday, March 14 from 4-7, floating. Please wear your mask. Memorial services to be announced later, hopefully this summer, at Bath Christian Church with dinner in the Fellowship Hall.

Instead of flowers, please sing a rousing chorus of “Rock Island Line” and/or donate to Bath High School Preservation at PO Box 149, Bath, NC, 27808 or bhspreservation.org.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. & Washington Funeral & Cremation will serve the family.


Gathering

Sunday, March 14, 2021
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Edwards Family Home - Directions
4692 Highway 92 East
Bath, NC 27808

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  • March 12, 2021
    Virginia and Billy ONeal says:
    We are so sorry for the loss of your father. My father and Jimmy were friends for many years and worked together. Stooge, my dad, loved to visit Jimmy and share stories. Jimmy also enjoyed cooking for my employees when we owned the Telephone Connection. All the girls loved Mr Jimmy. Jimmy was also one of Bill's closest friends down at the club. They have shared a many of hand of cards, meals and laughs. We are truly heart broken to hear of his passing. We feel blessed to have known him and called him friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was truly a wonderful soul.

  • March 12, 2021
    Rick Tee says:
    Sorrows and condolences to the family. Jimmy and others taught me how to cook rutabagas in 1988. I will miss him.

  • March 12, 2021
    Mary Ragland says:
    There will never be another Jimmy for sure. He was one of a kind. Prayers for the family.

  • March 12, 2021
    Scarlette Weatherly Bonneville says:
    I'm so sorry to hear of his passing

  • March 12, 2021
    Marlene Palen says:
    You will always be my Sunshine! I'm so thankful for the time we had together and just so you know you have taken a piece of my heart with you as I've kept a part of yours To the family: Thanks for making me a part of yours. God be with you love you all.

  • March 13, 2021
    Dolores Morgan says:
    Sending love & prayers to the family. Jimmy was a special guy leaving a legacy of a great variety.

  • March 13, 2021
    Ron, Karen, Colleen and Scott Bellamy says:
    Jimmy was one of the best friends ever. For the past 50 + years he was always there, both professionally and personally. His passing is an immense loss to the nuclear air cleaning community, and his friendship can never be replaced. Sincerest condolences to Marci, Jay, and the rest of his family.

  • March 14, 2021
    rodger cratch says:
    so sorry to hear of jimmys passing , Jimmy was a people person, life of the party, one of the smartest people I know, GOD bless jimmy, and his family, love you all.

  • March 16, 2021
    Naomi and Bob Nimmo says:

  • March 19, 2021
    Gail Kenefick says:
    Jimmy's spirit will always live in the hearts the historic Village of Bath. God Bless his family and friends. With our deepest sympathy Gail and Pat Kenefick