James F. Edwards

James Franklin Edwards, age 80, of Lake Du Bay passed away surrounded by family at Wausau Aspirus Hospital on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
Visitation will be held at the Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church on Monday, June 19 from 9-11:30. A funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Beth Rohn-Habhegger, will follow with internment at the Forest Hill Mausoleum.
James was born in Chicago, IL to James Edwards and Ruth Edwards (Pearson) on February 21, 1943. The Edwards family relocated prior to James beginning grammar school and he spent his childhood in Kellner, WI. James graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1961 and then pursued a career as an electrician. James was joined in marriage to Joyce Edwards (Rybicki) on October 1, 1966 at St. Philip's Catholic Church in Rudolph, WI.
James served an electrical apprenticeship with the IBEW and later became one of the first master electricians in the state of Wisconsin. James was also a member of the National Guard. In addition, he and Joyce raised over 200 head of beef cattle on their farm in Junction City. James was employed by Van Ert electric for many years before purchasing Thomas Electric, a small company in Marshfield, WI. James worked with great dedication and diligence to build Thomas Electric from its small beginnings to one of the largest non-union electrical contracting companies in the state of Wisconsin. He was actively involved in the state apprenticeship board through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin and mentored many of his employees through the program.
James was an active member of the Rudolph Moravian church and served on their board. He also donated his time and skills to assist the Mt. Morris church camp in Wautoma, James was always incredibly generous with his time and talents and often helped family and friends with a wide variety of projects. After retiring James and Joyce traveled extensively and spent time touring 6 of the 7 continents. He especially enjoyed spending winter in Mexico. One of his greatest joys of retirement was watching his grandchildren partake in the many activities they were involved with. James was an avid reader and would read anything and everything available to him. He was a lifelong racing fan and enjoyed attending local stock car races and following the NASCAR circuit. James also spent many hours following all of the professional sporting teams of Wisconsin from his favorite recliner. James enjoyed living on Lake Du Bay and spending his days working in his meticulously maintained yard. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and his presence will be greatly missed not only by his family but by the many people who knew him.
James is preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, his son, James Edwards III, his grandson, James Edwards IV, and his grandson, Joshua Edwards. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughter, Jill Wittry (Blake George), daughter Jennifer Kurzynsk (Adam), and his grandchildren Justin Edwads (Hannah), Johnathan Edwards (Maria), Jacqueline Wittry, Nathan Kurzynski, Caroline Kurzynski, and Alice Kurzynski, and his sisters Norma Gardner, and Linda Edwards.
In lieu of flowers a memorial scholarship fund has been established with ABC Apprenticeship and Training Trust Fund.