James "Jim" Eugene Edwards

James (Jim) Eugene Edwards left to be with his beloved Joan on November 21, 2017. Jim was born 7 ½ miles east of Jefferson, OK to Eugene Wilber and Clara Kathleen (Dietz) Edwards on May 3, 1930. He attended District #70 school Satchel Valley through the 8th grade. Jim and his family lived on a farm several miles from Medford, OK, so his parents made arrangements for him to stay in the hotel during the week to attend Medford High School and come home Friday nights. Jim played football for Medford where the team won two state championships. He graduated from Medford High School in 1948. Jim enrolled at Oklahoma A&M College majoring in Agriculture Engineering/Agriculture Education earning an Associate's Degree. While at college, he also participated in the baseball program as a pitcher. During the 50/51 Korean War, Jim enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. His unit was called up and he was sent to Cheyenne, WY for training. On July 28, 1952, Jim married his high school sweetheart Joan Stehno. They were married at the Y Chapel of Song located at Central State College where Joan attended school. While in the Air Force, Jim had read a book about "radar" and was hooked. He said that's what I want to do and learn more about. He reenrolled at Oklahoma State University after his discharge from active duty to study electronics. After graduating in May 1955 with his Bachelors' Degree in Electronics, he accepted a position at a TV station (KGEO) in Enid, OK. This station later became KOCO, Channel 5 and was moved to Oklahoma City. In 1956, Jim and Joan would buy their first home in Oklahoma City and he would start work for the Federal Aviation Administration. He was responsible for the construction and design of many of the radar systems used at the FAA, retiring in 1988 after 32 years. After retirement, he was hired to be an instructor for various radar systems. Jim and Joan raised two sons and the family would continue to work on both the Stehno and Edwards family farms in Medford. They also enjoyed many fishing and camping trips together. Jim will be missed greatly by his many family and friends. Jim is survived by son, John Alton and his wife Anne of Oklahoma City, two grandsons, Christopher Ryan and his wife Erica of Moore and Sean Thomas and his wife Christine of Rhome, TX, granddaughter Jenifer Emma of Hebron, KY, great grandchildren MacKenzee, Jase and Alexis of Moore, nieces Jeanne Stehno of Great Falls, MT and Ashley Ann Edstrom of Grand Junction, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Clara Edwards, his wife of 61 years Joan Pauline, and son Jerald Wayne. Interment will be at Pond Creek Cemetery in Pond Creek, OK. In lieu of flowers please send donations in the name of James E Edwards to Oklahoma Heart Hospital Research Foundation, 4200 W. Memorial Rd #510, Oklahoma City, OK 73120.