James Richard "Jim" Edwards

James "Jim" Richard Edwards

June 8, 1929 ~ July 24, 2025

Heaven has gained a new Mayor. James "Jim" Richard Edwards, 96, of Martinsburg, born the 8th of June 1929 in Altoona, PA to Mary Hazel (Prosser) and Leonard Philip Edwards is now in the presence of our heavenly father after a sudden medical event on the 24th of July 2025.

He was a graduate of Altoona Area High School class of 1947. Jim served our country in the US Army from 1947 - 1951 and thereafter the National Security Agency from 1952 until he retired in 1984. He attended Penn State University after his retirement.

Jim married his sweetheart Lois Jean (Bothwell) Edwards, also of Altoona on the 12th of February 1955. Because of their love, he became known as dad, pappy, and pappy great, or just "great". Jim, also affectionately known as the "Mayor of Homewood" was never boring, he had many interests and hobbies including jewelry making, whittling, painting, rock hounding and teaching kids about his finds. He was the founder and CEO of Keystone Key Locksmithing and Edwards Jewelry.

He sang in the church choir, loved music, was a sports enthusiast, history buff and avid reader. Jim participated in the senior Olympics for many years and won many gold medals. At the time of his death his team was undefeated in the Homewood bocce league. He was a local fashion icon with his witty t-shirts and fun hats. Jim could make anyone laugh and feel special just by being around him. Two of his most favorite things to do were being with and taking care of "momma" and going out to eat.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a son-in-law. Surviving family includes his soul mate and best friend, Lois, his daughters Pam (Paul) and Connie (Mark), and his son Burt (Kim), 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Givler Cultural Center (Bice Memorial Chapel), 437 Givler Drive, Martinsburg, PA 16662 on the 8th of August 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:30AM and the service will follow at 11:30AM. Thank you to the staff and friends at Homewood, for all your love and support.

A special thank you to John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc. for helping us navigate through this difficult time.