James Benjamin Edwards

EDWARDS ~ James Benjamin “Pistol” Edwards was born in McRae, Georgia, January 13, 1949, to the late Benjamin Edwards and Fatha Southerland Clark Edwards Chieves.  He passed from this life December 18, 2019 at 12:08 p.m.  James was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Mary Edwards; father, Benjamin Edwards; mother, Fatha Chieves; brothers, Cleveland & Daniel Clark; sisters, Annie Holt, Geraldine Sherman and Ella Merritt.

He attended Central High School in McRae, Georgia where he was a drum major in the marching band.  Now, he may be petitioning Saint Peter to be the drum major and dancer in Heaven’s Marching Band.  James moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1968, where he met and married Gail Holmes, his former wife; this union was blessed with three children.  James joined Francis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of McRae at an early age and returned many times to worship.  He also attended worship service as The House of Worship Holiness Church, Jacksonville, Florida, Pastor Gary Griffin, Sr.

James was employed with several companies; his last employment was with The Dr. Pepper Snapple Company, Jacksonville, Florida where he retired early due to health reasons.  He had many skills and would help when asked or when needed.  James was a fun-loving person, loved to dance, hunt and fish.  He was an excellent cook and made many scrumptious meals that was shared with many individuals.  James loved his family, especially his grandchildren, nephews and nieces – he enjoyed spending time with each of them.

James leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted and beloved fiancée, Edna Williams; sons, Dwane (Taccara) Edwards of Jacksonville, Florida, Caribe (Tanny) Hughes of Atlanta, Georgia; daughters, Chinesie Evette (Pastor Gary, Sr.) Griffin, Ashley (Albert Jones) Edwards of Jacksonville, Florida; Edna’s children, Michael (Jane) & Michelle Randolph; fourteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren;  sisters, sisters, Jessie Northcut, Eastman, Georgia, Betty (Rogers) Melton, Roseboro, North Carolina, Mary Jean (Charles) Scott, Statesboro, Georgia, Naomi (Eddie, Sr.) Conaway, Lumber City, Georgia, & Julia Wilcox, McRae, Georgia – Helena, Georgia; stepbrothers, Lucious (Ruby) Chieves, Ames, Indianna, Lonnie Chieves and Arthur (Joann) Chieves, Jacksonville, Florida; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends

Celebration of Life Service for Mr. James Edwards will be Friday, December 27, 2019 at 1:00 PM, Francis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Highway 441, McRae, Georgia, Reverend Michael Harmon, Pastor.  Family will receive friends Tuesday at The Soutel Chapel from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  Interment at Francis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, McRae-Helena, Georgia.  Because of the love of his family arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400

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