James Lee Edwards, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by love and community on May 3, 2025, in Oklahoma City, OK. The family wants to thank all the compassionate caregivers at Mercy Hospital.

James (Jim) was born on September 20, 1935, in Campbell, Missouri to Thomas Earl and Lela Faye (Riley) Edwards. He was the eldest of four children, consisting of 2 boys and 2 girls. Jim grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, where his natural charisma and sharp mind began to shine from an early age.

A proud graduate of Olivet Nazarene University, Jim went on to enjoy a successful career in pharmaceutical sales with Bristol-Myers Squibb. A true salesman at heart, he was known for his ability to sell just about anything and connect with anyone he met. His kids often joked that they had to check the Saturday paper to see if THEY themselves were for sale! After retiring early, he kept himself busy by selling various goods, and later, driving school buses and for Red Carpet for over 15 years.

Eventually, Jim chose to retire again – this time to devote himself full time to caring for his beloved wife and "one and only," Jo. She preceded him in death last July. Jim met Sarah Joan (McDonough) at Olivet Nazarene College and married her June 11, 1954.

Jim was known not only for his intelligence – often described as genius-level – but also for his sense of humor, storytelling and his signature ornery charm. He loved to "wheel and deal," tell a good joke, and was always ready for a porch conversation with friends, neighbors, or even complete strangers.

He also had an incredible sense of direction. If you gave him an address, he could likely get there faster than anyone else—and probably take the scenic route marked by restaurants, old gas stations, or other memorable landmarks. Directions from Jim weren't complete without a few backroads and stories along the way.

Jim believed deeply in knowing your neighbors, and he lived that value everywhere he went. A true social butterfly, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and remember not only their name but their story too. He never met someone he couldn't connect with.

He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wit, and community. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and all those fortunate enough to share a conversation on his porch.

In addition to his wife, Joan, Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lela Edwards and brother, Jack Edwards.

He is survived by his sisters, Sue Huff, Connie Honaker and husband, Mike; daughters, Debbie Tunnell and husband, Bob, Billie Snow and husband, Charles; son, Tom Edwards and wife, Jan; grandchildren, Tiffany, Natalie, Valerie, Whitney, Chance, Tawney, Jeremiah, Jason and Jordan; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Dad, Grandpa, Jim – we love you and we'll miss you. --From your family, community, friends, neighbors and every passerby.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be Monday, May 12 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Mercer-Adams Chapel.

Jeremiah 29:13 - You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.