Jim Edwards

Stoughton- Jim Edwards, beloved father, brother and friend, passed away on May 3, 2010 at the University Hospital in Madison, due to complications from Leukemia.   Jim was born on December 8, 1945 in Madison, the son of Arnold and Alice Edwards.  He graduated from Deerfield High School in 1964, where his classmates deemed him a ""lady's man.""  He attended and graduated from Milton College in 1968.  Upon graduation, he served his country in the Navy.  After moving home, he worked for the McCrory Department stores for several years before purchasing and managing the Quick Stop gas station and convenience store in Stoughton in 1978.  Jim retired in 2005 to enjoy more time with his family, his golf, and his big screen TV.   Jim was a humble man who was a friend to all he met.  He was a grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and recently celebrated his 9-year anniversary in April 2010. He found wonderful friends in his AA group, who often joined him in some of his favorite activities, such as golf, chess, cribbage, and bridge.   Survivors include his sons CJ (fiance Tina Accola) and Brent Edwards; sister, Linda (Doug) Stolen; brother, Richard Edwards; brother-in law, Anthony Pogodzinski; and several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Fran Pogodzinski.   Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Deerfield Lutheran Church, 206 S. Main Street, Deerfield.  Burial, with full Military Honors, will follow in Deerfield Lutheran Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be held after the service at the Stoughton Country Club.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, May 7, 2010 at Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church on Saturday.    The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and doctors at UW Hospital for their tender, loving care for Jim these last few months.  You all were his ""favorite.""   Jim was a wonderful ""Pops"", brother, and friend.  He inspired many of us and entertained all of us.  He will be missed and remembered by all he met.   Those wishing an expression of sympathy may consider Deerfield Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.