James "Jim" Ervin Edmonson

James Ervin Edmonson was born to Sarah (Sharer) and Glenn Edmonson on September 5, 1943 in Terre Haute, Indiana and passed into the arms of Jesus on September 3, 2021. Jim was a US Navy veteran who proudly served aboard the USS Claud Jones as a Petty Officer Third Class Radar Specialist during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He is survived by his beloved bride of nearly 36 years, Carol Jean Edmonson. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings (William, Daphne, Patty, Almeda, Judy, Sally & Tommy), former wife, Beverly (Kallas) Edmonson, and son Mark Comer. He is also survived by many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and loving friends. Surviving children are: Judy Leckrone, Kevin Comer, Carolyn (James) Peters, Tina Cain, John (Susan) Begley, Leana (William) Palmer, Connie (Doug) Jordan, Shawn Begley, Meredith (Jeremy) Summers, and Curtis (Diana) Begley. His 22 grandchildren are: Jana, Jason & Sarah; Stephanie & Ashley; Lia, Amy & Steven; Noah, Alicia & Matthew; Carl; Rachel, Elizabeth, McKenna & Andrew; Darrick & Connor; Owen & Peyton; Cole & Parker. His 16 great grandchildren are: Jonah, Paityn, Joshua & Bella; Addison & John, Emily & Jase; Gabriela & Isabella, Brayden & Summer, Chloë; Justin & Rachel; and Lucas. Throughout his lifetime, Jim provided for his family in many capacities. He was a guard at Inland Steel Mill, a machinist for both the Post Tribune and Naples Daily News, and owned a chimney sweep business. He serviced packaging machinery within the US as well as in Sri Lanka and Russia with Triangle Packaging from which he retired. During his retirement, he enjoyed reconnecting with those he served alongside in the Navy. He served as the President of Southwest Florida Destroyer Escort Sailors Association. He also enjoyed working as a realtor with Sellstate Realty. Jim met Carol at Levittown Church of Christ where they united in marriage on September 21, 1985. He was a member of South Florida Avenue Church of Christ. He loved fishing, ham radio, reading, singing, Gospel music, woodworking, and was skilled in fixing anything and everything that had a motor. He loved his big family, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He fought many health issues to live every possible day he could with his loving wife, Carol, and beloved dog, Buddy. Thank you to Vitas Healthcare for their excellent care and compassion provided to Jim and his family. The family expresses their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from their family, friends, and church congregations. Jim will be dearly missed by those whose lives he touched, but we are thankful his suffering has ended. He put his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and we are comforted to know we will meet again. A memorial service was held on September 5, 2021, at the South Florida Avenue Church of Christ. Following cremation, his final resting place will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Florida School of Preaching located on South Florida Avenue in Lakeland, FL or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as both were very dear to his heart.