James William Edwards, a retired educator, died May 10, 2016, after a brief illness. He was born on October 10, 1938 in Cherokee County, South Carolina. He was the eldest son of the late Curtis Edwards, Sr. and the late Geneva Dawkins Edwards.

At an early age, James dedicated his life to Christ. He joined Allen Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Gaffney, SC. Later in life he continued his Christian service at The Church of the Redeemer, Episcopal in Pineville, South Carolina where he served as Eucharistic Minister, Layreader, Choir Member and Senior Warden Pro-Tem.

He was a member of St. John Lodge #349, P.H.F. & A.M., where he served as Past Master; Thurgood Marshall Consistory #367, A.A.S.R., where he was a Past Commander-in-Chief and Grand Inspector General (33rd degree); and St. John Chapter #213, Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Iota Beta Beta Chapter, Berkeley County, SC.

James graduated from Granard High School, Gaffney, SC. He furthered his education at Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC, where he received his Bachelor of Art degree in Music Education. He later earned his Master of Science degree in Counselor Education at South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC.

On August 15, 1964, he was united in holy matrimony to Ida Victoria Lloyd Edwards of St. Stephen, SC. To this union, two children were born: Vanessa Jeanette and Kurt Bernard. He was preceded in death by his wife; a brother, Curtis Edwards, Jr.; and a stepsister, Minister Brenda Wright Byrd.

James dedicated his life and career as an educator in the South Carolina Public School System. In 1959, he began his career at Russellville High School, Russellville, SC as band director. Even though music was his passion, the last years of his teaching career included math and driver's education.

Possessing a passion for carpentry and education, James was a builder of both homes as well as young minds.

Loving memories will be cherished by: his two loving children, Vanessa (Dennis) Smalls of St. Stephen, SC and Kurt (Nicole) Edwards of Newnan, GA; five precious grandchildren, Olivia Camille, Sophia Gabrielle, Elijah Hamilton and James Victor Edwards of Newnan, GA and Tavian Cole Smalls of St. Stephen, SC; sisters, Mary Lucille Quince and Lillie Ruth Edwards both of Gaffney, SC; brother, Robert Lee (Betty) Edwards of Glen Burnie, MD; stepmother, Lucille Wright Edwards of Union, SC; stepbrother, Minister Elgusta Wright, Jr. of Union, SC; sisters-in-law, Barbara Gadsden Haynes of Moncks Corner, SC, Annie B. Isaac of Augusta, GA, Beatrice Staggers of Jersey City, NJ and Sarah Peeler Edwards of Gaffney, SC; brothers-in-law, Isaac (Denise) Gadsden of Tacoma Park, MD, Henry (Diann) Gadsden of Columbia, SC; caregiver, Barbara Griffin; special friend, Walter Hill of St. Stephen, SC; aunt, Ruby Nell Edwards of Gaffney, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.