Obituary of James Edwards

James Edwards Jr was born in Hughes, Arkansas on October 4, 1943. He was one of three children born from the union of the late James Edwards Sr. and the late Minnie Lee Blakey. James made his home in Monroe with his loving wife of 32 years, Juanita (Barnes) Edwards. They were married on August 25, 1981 in Monroe, Michigan. James was a hard worker while supporting his family as a crane operator for Mac Steel and as a previous supervisor of Guardian Glass. He was a loving husband and an awesome father always placing family first, cherishing every moment spent with them. James was known to be a generous man, helping anyone in need. He helped raise his two grandchildren, Brandi Miller and Dayvonna Clay-Miller like they were his own. James was also very outgoing and loved to be playful, teasing the people that he loved the most. As an avid chef, James loved to cook for his friends and family always hosting any type of gathering. James also had owned two restaurants at two different times in his life. He was a very family orientated man enjoyed spending any free time he had with them. Also in his free time, James loved to fish. James Edwards Jr., age 70, of Monroe passed away on Monday, June 23, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. His passing was preceded by his parents: James Edwards Sr. and Minnie Lee Blakley; two brothers: an infant brother and Leroy Edwards; and a granddaughter: Shaman Brown, and a daughter Shawna Miller. To cherish his memory he leaves his wife of thirty-two years, Juanita; two daughters: Sharon Brown of Gary, Indiana and Teresa Barnes of Toledo, Ohio; a son: Zanford Ray Edwards; a sister: Rosie Gilmer of California; two brothers: Donald Edwards of California and Derrick Edwards of Little Rock, Arkansas; and three grandchildren: Brandi Miller, Dayvonna Clay-Miller and Jennifer Brown. Friends may gather from 4:00pm-8:00pm, Friday, June 27, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Hwy (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of his Life will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 11:00 am at Monroe Full Gospel with Pastor Harold Raines officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, June 30, 2014 at Roselawn Memorial Park Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.