James Edwards Obituary

James Emory Edwards of Templeton passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014. He was born in 1925 in Grand Ledge, Michigan to the late Earl I. and Lila M. (Burman) Edwards. After high school James joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II; he flew 21 missions over Germany as a member of a B-17 crew in the 379th Bombardment Group based at Kimbolton Air Base in England. As a Tech Sergeant he was discharged at war's end, and returned home to Michigan where he worked and attended Michigan State University. In the early l950's, James moved west to Southern California where he raised his family. He was active in his community and served as the past Commander of the Westchester American Legion. For the past 30 years James and his wife, Audrey made the historic Central Coast town of Templeton their home. James liked working in his garden and also planted many beautiful trees to be enjoyed on their property. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, was a member of the Elks Lodge of Paso Robles and attended the Templeton Presbyterian Church. James is survived by his wife, Audrey Lewis Edwards; six children, Rhonda Lewis (Tom) Fletcher, Jill Edwards, Clifford Lewis, Carol Edwards (Marc) MacDonald, Robin Lewis Thomas and Douglas (Tammy) Edwards; fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Virginia Edwards, Leo Edwards, Wilma Salvatore, Josephine Edwards, Joyce Lott, Paul Edwards and Gayle Edwards; and his son-in-law, John Thomas. A private family service and celebration of life will be held in July of 2014. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the loving nurses and staff at Country Care Convalescent Hospital, Atascadero.