James A. "Jimmy" Edwards

Jimmy, age 77, of Charlotte and Myrtle Beach died Saturday, March 19,2016 at Sanford Health and Rehabilitation. A celebration of life will be held 2:00, Sunday, April 3rd, 2016 at Shallow Well Church. Immediately following the service the family will host a lunch catered by Golden Corral.

Born June 18, 1938 in Raleigh, N.C. Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James A. and Mary Alice Sloan Edwards. He attended Bristol Tennessee High School and was a graduate of Charlotte Central High School where he served as senior class president.

After graduating from Duke University he taught American History at Garinger High School for 29 years. He was highly respected and loved as a teacher and kept in contact with many of his former students especially those whom he coached in baseball. Whether it was good health or just a stay of fortitude, he had enough sick leave days to retire a year early. His knowledge of history, his kindness, and his easy-going personality made him a favorite of teacher and student alike.

Jimmy loved Sports and athletics especially Duke University, the Chicago Cubs, and the Carolina Panthers. He had many passions including the outdoors, the ocean, jogging, bike riding, reading, a strong love for animals (especially cats), religious studies, and trying, at least, to make people laugh. He was confirmed Episcopalian, but also had a strong interest in and love for Judaism. He also loved the land of Israel, which he had visited.

Jimmy is survived by his aunt Myrtle Rae Poe of Sanford; uncle Preston Edwards of Henderson; special cousins Sammy Poe, Lafay Pickard, and Sydney DeLoria. He is survived by many other Sloan and Edwards cousins as well.

Memorials may be made to Shallow Well United Church of Christ, 1220 Broadway Rd, Sanford N.C. 27330, or to the James A. Edwards Jr. Memorial Endowment of Duke University, c/o Duke University Office of Planned Giving, Alumni Development Records, c/o Lisa Ward, Campus Box 90581 Durham, N.C. 27708. All other acknowledgments made to Mrs. Myrtle Poe 108 N. Gulf St. Sanford, N.C.