CHATSWORTH - James W. "Jim" Edwards, 78, Chatsworth, died at 9:17 p.m. Wednesday (July 8, 2009) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church, Chatsworth, with the Rev. William Paton officiating. Interment will be at the Chatsworth Cemetery with full military rites performed by Chatsworth American Legion Post 613. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church, where memorials may be made to the church or the Chatsworth Fire Department. Martin-Burke Funeral Home, Chatsworth, is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Edwards was born Nov. 2, 1930, in rural Piper City on the family farm, a son of Wilbur and Selma Harms Edwards. He graduated from Piper City High School. He married Shirley Lang on Nov. 7, 1954, in Paxton. She preceded him in death on Nov. 15, 2004.

He is survived by two daughters, Terri (Rick) Perkins, Chatsworth, and Val (Scott Thomsen) Orsowy, Chatsworth; one son, Randy Edwards, Chatsworth; four grandchildren, Steve (Bridget) Perkins, Brighton; Misty (Steve) Trost, Chatsworth; Mitch (Stacey) Dohman, Chatsworth; and Malerie (Darrell Ricks) Orsowy, Normal; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Wilma Perkins, and three brothers, Lum, Pete and Chuck Edwards.

He worked for the Larry LaRochelle IH implement dealership in Chatsworth for more than 20 years. After that he owned and operated a Maytag dealership in Chatsworth for 10 years. His last employment was at Prairie Central Elementary School in Chatsworth as a custodian until retiring.

Jim was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean War.

Jim enjoyed camping and fishing at Lake Shelbyville, auctions and driving around in his van. He loved to visit family and friends. He also loved his cat, Patches.

He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Chatsworth American Legion Post 613 and the Chatsworth Fire Department for more than 25 years.

This obituary may be viewed, and private condolences sent to the family online at www.martin-burkefuneralhome.com.