James Edwards

Sgt. First Class James Patrick Edwards of McGregor passed away on Friday at Scott and White Hospital from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was surrounded by lots of family and friends who loved him very much.

Visitation will be Monday July 25 from 6-8 pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco. Funeral with full military honors will be held Tuesday at 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church in McGregor where Jim was a long time member.

Jim was born October 25, 1971 in Biloxi, MS to Jimmy and Patsy (dec.) Edwards. He graduated from Ocean Springs (MS) High School in 1989 and enlisted in the US Army at the age of 18 where he trained as a diesel mechanic. He loved teaching HIS soldiers to “Be the best they can be” and lived the Army Creed. He was often teased that he would “bleed OD green.” He served in Bosnia, 2 tours in Korea and 3 tours in Iraq with the 1st Cav Division. He was currently assigned to Ft. Hood as a Platoon Sgt and SSGL to III Corps and Fort Hood NCO Academy.

When Jim was at home he loved spending time with his kids building things, hauling them to horse and livestock shows, and working on everyone’s trucks. He enjoyed working on “the ranch”, going fishing and working on engines.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 16 years, Lori (Knutson) Edwards, daughter Kaycee and son, Blaine (Bickley) all of McGregor; father Jimmy Edwards of Georgia; sister Regina Edwards of Mississippi; brothers Donald of Dallas and Chris of Killeen; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A very special thanks to all of our friends, family, Providence Co-workers and our Army family for all of your love and support this week. Many thanks to the wonderful ICU nurses and staff at Scott and White SICU for the wonderful care, concern and compassion you showed for Jim this week.

The family invites you to leave a message or a memory in our online guest book at www.gracegardensfh.com.

Visitation

Monday July 25, 2011 , 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel

Memorial Service

Tuesday July 26, 2011 , 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church