James Edwards

James “Boss” Edwards, 64, passed away on May 16, 2023 in Abilene, Texas. He was born on November 7, 1958, in Andrews, Texas to John Edwards and Earline Johnson Edwards. James graduated from Odessa Permian High School in 1976. He moved to Hamlin, Texas in 1979 where he met and married the love of his life, Diane Young Edwards. They were married on November 17, 1984.  Their son, Kyle Allen Edwards, was born eight years later in 1992.

In life, James was a pillar of the community in Hamlin. James enthusiastically served the children and youth of the city. Over the years, James held many offices in a variety of youth programs, including the local soccer, baseball, and basketball leagues. James mentored boys, led camping trips, and received several Scouting awards through the local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. James proudly served as the President of the Hamlin High School Band Booster Club, following the Hamlin High School Marching Green to the Texas UIL All State Competition and beyond.

James will be remembered for his years of generous service to the community. He served for 9 years on the Hamlin ISD Board of Trustees. He was the President of the Hamlin Rotary Club and was actively involved with the Hamlin Jaycees. James was a 3rd generation member of the Hamlin Volunteer Fire Department.   The people of Hamlin will remember him rescuing locals from flooding.

James followed Christ  example at every opportunity, and he truly had a servant's heart. James was a member of First Baptist Church of Hamlin for many years.

James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Earline Edwards; sister, Jonel Smallwood; niece, Barbara Smallwood; and in-laws, Kenneth and Shasta Young.

James is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diane Young Edwards; only child, Kyle Edwards and daughter-in-law, Audrey Edwards; aunt, Joann Ford; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Allen and Cindy Young; niece, Zacha Young; and nephew, Mason Young. Throughout his life, James informally adopted close friends into the Edwards clan, including the Loredos, Ishmael and Laura, and Vivian VanZant. In recent years, the lights of his life were the Loredo’s two children, Mackenzie and Matthew. All of James's family and friends will mourn his passing.

James will be remembered for his welcoming, easy going, and approachable demeanor. Family and friends often say that James has never met a stranger, and his open heart will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hendricks Hospice or to the donors’ charity of choice in memory of James Edwards. He will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in peace.