‘His life and legacy will live on’: Community remembers Jimmie C. Edwards during memorial service

Community members and public officials gathered at the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park on May 2 to remember the life and legacy of veteran Jimmie C. Edwards, the park’s founder and former county judge.

Edwards, who died March 31, was a Vietnam veteran, served as Montgomery County judge and state representative, and founded the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission, which oversees the park.

“I just want to thank Jimmie and the Edwards family and also the commission that stood behind Jimmie during all of his vision to make sure that this place is what it is today,” state Rep. Will Metcalf said. “This is only the beginning. The best is yet to come. Although our founder and our spokesperson is no longer with us, his life and legacy will live on for many decades to come.”

Two-minute impact

The public memorial service, held at the Veterans Memorial Park, included remarks from both Metcalf and Edwards’ wife, Debbie. Live music accompanied the service, including the national anthem, “My Way,” “Marines’ Hymn” and “God Bless America.”

The memorial service concluded with a flyover and an invitation to attendees to walk the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park.

“I look at this park, I look at this building, and I think, ‘It’ll be a long time before Jimmie’s name is forgotten,’” Debbie Edwards said.

Looking back

In the immediate aftermath of his death, officials around Montgomery County gave tribute to Edwards, and Montgomery County commissioners approved a resolution declaring April 9 as Judge Jimmie C. Edwards III Memorial Day in Montgomery County, as previously reported.