James Ralph Edwards, age 86 of Birmingham, passed away on April 13, 2008. He was proceeded in death by his son, Granville Lee Edwards II; parents, Granville Lee Edwards and Rebecca Matthews Holt, brother, Donald Kenneth Edwards. Mr. Edwards was from the greatest generation where he proudly served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. His service let to a career in professional flying where he was a flight instructor with California Eastern Airways, Inc. and later was a corporate pilot with Cowan and Co. Inc. He was a longtime member of Gardendale’s First Baptist Church. Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Jeanne B. Edwards; children, Libby (Terry) Stephens of Gardendale; grandchildren, Keith Stephens (Amy), Kelly Pendleton (Cory); great-grandchildren, Tyler William Stephens; sister, Rebecca Thornley; brother, James Holt (Martha) and sister-in-law, Sarah Edwards. Services were held at Gardendale Funeral Home with burial in Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Rev. Leon Zalenski officiated.

Gardendale Funeral Home, 2214 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL. 35071, (205) 631-8810, www.GardendaleFuneralHome.com