Jim was born on December 18, 1940, in El Paso, Texas. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Sue and Kenneth Edwards, who were a great source of love and support throughout his life.
Jim was a devoted and loving husband to Tommie Marie Edwards, his high school sweetheart. Their love story spanned 65 years. Jim found immense joy in his family and was a proud father to Dale (Lori), Kelly (Don), Christine (Tim), James, and Cindy (Luke). He cherished his time with his grandchildren, Jeremy, CJ, Matthew, Phillip, Stephen, Reilly, and Brooke, as well as his great-grandchildren, Dehlia, Silas, and Adeline.
Jim attended Odessa High School. At age 19 Jim enlisted into the Navy as the first step in his 20-year naval career.
LCDR James Edwards proudly served as Engineer, Supply, Food Services, and Weapons Officer on the USS Dolphin (AGSS-555), where he earned numerous citations and a Gold Star for his superior technical and leadership skills. His notable accomplishments include significantly prolonging the useful life of the experimental silver-zinc battery and designing and installing an interim lead-acid battery that allowed the USS Dolphin to continue vital research operations. In 1968, the USS Dolphin set a classified depth record for operating submarines, a feat that still holds as the deepest diving submarine in world history. His dedication and expertise were recognized with the prestigious submarine trident, symbolizing his role as a deep-sea subversive.
Throughout his naval career, LCDR James Edwards served on various other vessels, including the USS Wahoo (SS-565) and the CO on the USS Meyerkord (FF-1058). He was known for his exceptional leadership, superior expertise, exemplary professional manner, and unwavering commitment to his fellow sailors and the nation. He earned the respect of his peers and superiors alike. He was decorated with numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal, a Gold Star, the Deep Submergence Officer Badge, the Cold War Submarine Warfare Dolphins Badge, and the Gold Surface Warfare Badge. These accolades reflect his remarkable dedication and service to both his country and the U.S. Navy.
After active duty, Jim embarked on an educational journey that was truly remarkable, spanning several decades and showcasing his dedication to both teaching and curriculum development. Starting at Wenatchee Valley College. Jim taught mathematics, algebra, and calculus. He also developed the school’s Tree Fruit Science curriculum. He then moved to Heritage College, where he taught mathematics and science while developing an Applied Engineering Mechanics curriculum.
His tenure as Mathematics Department Chairman at San Marcos Baptist Academy was particularly noteworthy. Jim improved the school's standardized test scores by an impressive 50%, and he also spearheaded the creation of a computer-based physics lab and an AP Calculus course. His leadership extended beyond academics as he coached the school’s soccer team to a state championship. Jim concluded his illustrious teaching career at New Mexico State University, where he taught calculus and continued to inspire hundreds of students with his passion for education and commitment to excellence. Through all of his roles, Jim left an indelible mark on the educational institutions he served and the countless students whose lives he touched.
Jim's many educational accomplishments and accolades include multiple Teacher of the Year awards, as well as the Kiwanis Club Teacher of the Year. He was also honored as a four-time recipient of Who's Who Among American Teachers and earned the Outstanding Teacher Award from the University of Chicago.
Jim had a profound love for the outdoors. He found peace and joy in camping, hiking, and reading, especially a good Louis L’Amour book. Jim and Tommie, retired and made their home in the rural mountains of New Mexico, living in a beautiful cabin they helped build together. This was an area they discovered and fell in love with as a young couple, and the cabin became the backdrop for many cherished family memories.
Jim had a strong sense of duty that extended beyond his military career to his community and those in need. Jim was also involved in numerous church, volunteer, and community activities, where his kindness and integrity left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He will be missed by his family, friends, fellow sailors, and students whose lives he touched with his wisdom, guidance, humor, and steadfast dedication to all those he loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Happy Trails Cowboy Church at PO Box 8, Cloudcroft, NM 88317 in Jim Edwards’ memory.
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Happy Trails Cowboy ChurchPO Box 8, Cloudcroft, New Mexico 88317
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