Mr. James Edmondson, age 82, of Arab, AL, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, August 3, 2023. James was born March 13, 1941 in Marshall County, AL, son of Lonnie and Betty NeSmith Edmondson. He and his wife, Juanita Chandler Edmondson, were married for 58 years and shared a very special supportive and loving relationship.
James was a member of Guntersville Church of Christ for over 50 years. He formerly served as a deacon for many years making new members feel welcome and serving in their best capacity within the congregation. James also served as a school trustee of Grassy Junior High School and PTO President. When his daughters went to Arab High School he served as Band Booster president. James worked in Scottsboro at the time and he would make a weekly run to Word Popcorn Company on Highway 72 for concession stand supplies during football season.
He was a member of the Arab Historical Society and served as a board member in that organization. He volunteered as a tour guide in the Historic Village much to the delight of the visitors of the day. He loved history and he would tell them great stories about old Arab and “how things used to be” when he was a boy.
After working 36 years as an electrician at what started as Revere in Scottsboro, he worked another 6 years at Atrion Medical in Arab. Then he worked Christmas in the Park in Arab for another few years. James’ hobby was making himself useful, and that he did well, until he became ill 2 years ago.
James has left special memories with his surviving family members. They plan to keep his memory alive by following examples of his work ethic, caring heart and genuine love of people. Family members include; his wife, Juanita Edmondson; daughters and sons-in-law, Jamie and Phil Logan and Roseanne and Tony Mabrey; six grandchildren, Chandler Litchford (Abby), Jon Dudley Litchford (Rainey), Tony Mabrey, Jr., Amanda Mabrey, Olivia Logan and Maddie Carroll; great grandchild, Elsie Litchford; and sister, Gwennell Coker (Robert Earl).
Family preceding James in death include: parents, Lonnie and Betty NeSmith Edmondson; brothers, Hershell Edmondson, Leon Edmondson and Olen Edmondson; sister, Mary Nell Bates.
Family and friends are to gather for a visitation 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel Friday, August 4, 2023. The funeral service will be August 5, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. Interment will be at Arab Memorial Cemetery. Officiating will be Phillip Bradley, James Dudley, Chandler Litchford and Jon Dudley Litchford. Pallbearers will be Chandler Litchford, Jon Dudley Litchford, Tony Mabrey, Jr, Jimmy Gullion, Reggy Jones, Joe Praschnik and Joe Cagle. Honorary pallbearers will be Olivia Logan, Abby Litchford, Rainey Litchford, Amanda Mabrey, Maddie Carroll and Elsie Litchford.
In Lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.
