James G. Edwards

Staff
Posted 10/4/18

PEORIA, Ariz. - James G. Edwards, 92, of Palos Verdes Senior Living in Peoria, Ariz., formerly of Mendota, went to meet his Lord and Savior on Oct. 1, 2018.

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James G. Edwards

Posted

PEORIA, Ariz. - James G. Edwards, 92, of Palos Verdes Senior Living in Peoria, Ariz., formerly of Mendota, went to meet his Lord and Savior on Oct. 1, 2018.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 8 at Restland Cemetery, Mendota with military honors by Mendota VFW Post 4079.

James was born on July 7, 1926 in North Aurora to James and Besse (Beam) Edwards. He married Louise Magnusson on Dec. 26, 1948.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years and his family, James and Doreen Edwards, Jan and Kris Jurasek, Julie and Bill Cody and John and Cary Edwards.

James spent his younger years active in all sports and outdoor activities. He began his railroad career with the CB&Q working for his father in Mendota and becoming the youngest maintenance gang foreman on record. He was raised by loving and religious parents and regularly attended church, where he was a member of the choir and also sang solos. He remembered that at the age of 12 he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy on Dec. 2, 1944 fulfilling a desire to serve his country the same as his two brothers and many others in Mendota were doing. After completing boot camp, he was assigned to the Fred T. Berry ship in San Francisco. After being discharged from his military duty, he began working for the railroad and retained the years of seniority he had accumulated while working alongside his father. He returned to Mendota High School to earn his diploma and met his future wife, Louise Ann Magnusson. They had a family of four children. James’s career provided for many relocations throughout the Midwest and across country to the Pacific Northwest before retiring as vice president safety & rules in 1982. A dedicated man of integrity and humility, he was promoted many times to many locations. His wisdom of life and love provided incredible influence on his grandchildren and their families.

Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.