Edwards

James A. Edwards, 87, of Worthington — beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend — died peacefully Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, after a lengthy illness he faced with the same strength and determination that carried him through everything he accomplished in his life.

He will be missed by his loving wife, JoAnne C. (Hlister) Edwards, of nearly 62 years of marriage. She provided for Jim’s care in their home during the last years of his illness. Jim is also survived by his beloved daughters, Jimette (Bill) Gilmartin and Jennifer (John) McCullough, and beloved son, Jimmy (Amy) Edwards. Jim was a cherished grandfather to Mara (Vern) Smith, Hilary (Derek) Bush, Erin Gilmartin, Julian Edwards and Evangeline Edwards. Great-grandchildren include Oliver and Aria Smith and Blake and Bennett Bush.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret C. Edwards; his sister, Mary Zotter; and his brother, Eugene Edwards.

Jim grew up on the North Side of Pittsburgh and was mentored by his lifelong friends, Fuzzy and Mae Neidhardt. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a dedicated union boilermaker (Local 154) for 43 years until his retirement in 1999. During this time, he and his wife acquired Edwards Estates Mobile Home Park, in Worthington, from 1973 until 2016, expanding the park from 10 to 54 units. Post-retirement, Jim and JoAnne enjoyed many happy years traveling, sightseeing and developing many lasting friendships.

Jim was a generous, kind, patient soul and a member of St. John Roman Catholic Church. He was a man of strong Catholic faith and strong character. He demonstrated integrity and endurance and leaves behind a memory of unwavering love. He may not have always said “I love you” in words, but it showed in a thousand different ways: in the things he did, the sacrifices he made and the way he always put his family first. He was a teacher, mentor and, to those who knew him, one of life’s great blessings.

The last years of his life were managed by a small but spectacular group of caregivers, hospice coordinators and family who provided thoughtful and consistent care for Jim. Special thanks to Shawnee Stennett for her direction, communication, dedication, emotional support and friendship throughout.

EDWARDS — Friends of James A. Edwards, who died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at SNYDER-CRISSMAN FUNERAL HOME, 200 S. McKean St., Kittanning. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the funeral home.

A funeral procession will follow at noon, to Sts. Francis and Clare Parish, St. John Church, 668 S. Clearfield Road, Fenelton (Coylesville), for a funeral Mass.

Interment will be in Saint John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to: the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter Office at 2835 E. Carson St., Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203; the VNA Western Pennsylvania at 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001; or the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation at 105 Burgess Drive, Zelienople, PA 16063.

For more information or to express condolences to the family, please visit www.snydercrissman.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.