James Albert “Big Bad Bo” Edwards, 78, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:20 P.M. Thursday July 13, 2023, at his home. He was born December 30, 1944, in Detroit, MI, the son of Albert Edwin and Lena May (Staton) Edwards. He married Diana Lee Mendell on August 2, 1969, in Chicago Heights, IL. She survives in Hoopeston, IL.
He is also survived by one son, Beau (Tonya) Edwards of Hoopeston, IL; one daughter, Crystal (Shane) Dickison of Alvin, IL; one step son, Jim (Kate) Reidy of New Lenox, IL; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Reidy of Enterprise, AL; four sisters, Kay Hampton of Hoopeston, IL, Cheryl (Larry) Stephen of Hoopeston, IL, and Wendy (Andy Fink) Edwards of Hoopeston, IL; two brothers, Terry “TA” Edwards of Hoopeston, IL and Tom Edwards of Hoopeston, IL; sisters-in-law, Sheila Edwards of Hoopeston, IL and Rose (Warren) Watkins of Saginaw, MI; five grandchildren, Bryson (Kylie) Irvin, Raij Irvin, Bryar Dickison, Savanna (Lee) Oeschger, and Austin (Sally) Reidy; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Ralph Wayne Edwards and Paul Reidy; one sister, Sandra Drullinger; one brother, Eddie Edwards; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Edwards and Jackie Bristol; and two brothers-in-law, Richard “Dick” Hampton and Paul Drullinger.
James retired from Local 97 as a union roofer. He had several hobbies which included fishing, hunting, gardening, and riding motorcycles as fast as he could. He also enjoyed singing and spending time with his family and was known as the Sheriff of Seminary Street. He leaves behind many beloved friends from all over the country. He will be missed tremendously by all who loved him.
Cremation rites will be accorded, and a celebration of life will be held from 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Saturday July 29, 2023, at James’ home.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com
