James T. Edwards

James T. Edwards, 98, of Elizabethtown, died Wednesday January 25, 2017 at the Masonic Village Heath Care Center, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Viola “Vi” Walmer-Edwards of Elizabethtown, and also the husband of the late Mary Ruth Edwards. Born in Shickshinny, he was the son of the late Merthen and Irene (Thompson) Edwards. Jim as he was affectionately known had worked as a machinist for the former American Car & Foundry, Berwick PA, also for the Navy Ship Parts Control Center, Mechanicsburg for 19 years before retiring. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, fighting in the “Battle of the Bulge” and received 2 Bronze Stars. He was also recognized as the oldest living WW II veteran at Masonic Village, and was a recipient of the “Quilt of Valor”. He was a 32 degree mason Valley of Bloomsburg Lodge Council, Scottish Rite of Bloomsburg, and a member of the Consistory Valley of Bloomsburg. He was also a member of the D.A.V. of Camp Hill. Jim and his wife “Vi” attend the John S. Sell Memorial Chapel at Masonic Village. Jim’s other interest include fishing, painting, and he was a member of the Art Club of Masonic Village.

Surviving in addition to his wife Vi is a son James husband of Susan Edwards, Pottsville; a daughter Ann Beagle, Fredericksburg VA; a step-daughter Diane wife of Thomas Nowicki, Woodbury CT; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and two sisters Irene Davis, Mountain Top, PA and Gwen Williams, Mount Joy. In addition to his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at the John S. Sell Memorial Chapel at Masonic Village of Elizabethtown on Wednesday February 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. There will be a time of visitation with the family on Wednesday at Sell Chapel from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.


In lieu of flowers contributions in Jim’s memory may be sent to Masonic Village Hospice Care Fund, c/o Masonic Villages, Office of Gift Planning, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown PA 17022.