Obituary
Guest Book
1943
2017
John "Jack" Edwards, 74 of Martinsville, Virginia has passed away at his home on February 9th 2017 surrounded by his family.
Jack Edwards was the former Captain of the Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad. Under his leadership as Captain, Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad achieved 19 consecutive months of responding to every emergency call.
Jack was also an EMT Instructor in Martinsville/Henry County and Patrick County area.
Jack Edwards pursued the emergency responder field upon his retirement from Miller Brewing in Eden, North Carolina where he had worked for many years.
Jack was a veteran of the United States Navy. He served with the Navy's Submarine Services, specifically on nuclear submarines during the Vietnam era. Jack was deployed months at a time in international waters. He went through an extensive program and earned the distinguished Submarine Qualification insignia (known as "dolphins" or "fish").
Jack Edwards is survived by his wife of 36 years, Thelma Edwards, sons Sean Edwards, Jim Edwards, John Edwards, Chad Edwards and Jeff Edwards. Also, survived by his granddaughters, Darian Edwards (daughter of John Edwards) and Mariah Edwards, (daughter of Chad Edwards). Daughter in laws Pam Edwards, (wife of Chad Edwards) and Stephanie Edwards, (wife of Jeff Edwards). Other surviving family include half-sisters Sandra Horne (husband, Shane Horne) and Joan Long (husband, John Long).
County Board of Supervisor for the Horsepasture District, Debra Buchanan spoke highly of Jack stating "Jack was an outstanding leader with the Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad. His 'directness' & 'can do' attitude helped inspire other volunteers to be the best that they could be. Under Jack's leadership as Captain, he encouraged teamwork, dedication and determination of the volunteers, which resulted in Horsepasture Rescue Squad being recognized for 19 months without missing a single call - a record that has yet to be challenged."
Also, Director of Public Safety, Matt Tatum said Jack's influence on the community "went beyond EMS, Jack loved his community and was seen by many as a leader, mentor and father figure. Jack was the man you could work with, play with, laugh with, and cry with."
Debbie Akers with the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services stated when ask about her experiences with Jack that "It's not often that you find someone in their older years willing to dedicate so much of himself to the EMS system and he always had his faithful and loving partner, Thelma, at his side."
A Memorial Service will take place at Collins Funeral Home in Bassett Virginia. Family, friends and anyone who knew Jack may share in the visitation and memorial service that will take place on Sunday February 12th. Visitation will be from 1pm to 3pm. Memorial Service will start at 3pm.
If anyone that wishes to buy floral arrangements please arrange with Collins Funeral Home directly. Donations can also be made to the Horse Pasture Rescue Squad in the name of Jack Edwards. The family would be very grateful.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Community Funeral Services.
6 Entries
February 14, 2017
Nicki Chand
Dear Jack,
A huge sadness draws upon me when I write this message as it's my realisation that I will never hear your voice, see your smile or have that high five again. Maybe it's my selfishness but I wasn't ready to say goodbye just yet.
I know you were going through so much pain with your cancer but you still fighted as much as you could despite the circumstances. It is hard to remember you been poorly as I've always remembered you as being a strong person both physically and mentally.
Our memories will always remain close to my heart and I will cherish the time we spent together.
I would like to share one of our memories. Especially the time when you and Thelma came to the UK a few years ago and we were going to have dinner together as a family. I had my black 2 seater sports car then and you asked if we could travel together. I remember that evening it was a sunny day and we had the roof down of the car. I remember driving and stopping at the red lights. This is when you turned to me and said in a serious voice "I want to tell you something important". I thought you were going to speak with me about my driving but you turned and said to me that "people at the traffic lights are staring at me (Jack) not you (Nicki) as I still have that spark and good looks". I said to you that when the lights turned green I was going to accelerate so fast that your wig would come off and then I agreed that people would be staring at you because you were an "old man". We both laughed so much all the way to the restaurant and even when I think about that time even now it always brings a smile to my face. Miss you Jack.
Individuals come in your life and I'm glad you came in my life (Ssshh I know I was your favourite). I always felt special at family events watching how you couldn't wait to say something funny, cheeky or witty to anyone that caught your eye, most people avoided eye contact :). I want to remember you this way as these are my happiest memories of you. It was always amusing to watch how you out played all the young ones with your jokes and tricks and it was even further amusing to watch Chad how he struggled to outplay you. Jack even though Chad did not admit to you, he did struggle to outplay you a lot of the times which he shared with us (sorry Chad you know it's true).
I know Jack that your loss will leave many people grieving who were close to you especially your loving wife Thelma, your children, daughter in laws, grandchildren and the rest of your family and friends.
On behalf of my parents Mr and Mrs Chand (Pam Edwards family) and my husband Sunil we give our whole hearted condolences to all the Edwards family. May you rest in peace Jack and we will carry on loving you in our hearts.
Jack, I wanted to say that we will always continue to keep the Edwards family especially Thelma and Chad close to our hearts within our family.
Love you Nicki xxx
Ps don't be getting into mischief...see you again...
February 11, 2017
Mark Spragg
Jack you were one of the nicest people we have ever met, you were the kindest and funniest man with the dryest sense of humor, you were a truly wonderful man and you will be sadly missed by us all, rest in peace and hope the angels look after you up there. You will always have a special place in our hearts and never forgotten. Thank you so much for being in our lives even though it was for a short time. Love you Mark ,Parv and Darcy.
February 11, 2017
larry & angie wood
our condolences to the Edwards family.Jack was a great friend of ours and we will miss him.thanks for being our friend Jack; r.i.p.
February 11, 2017
Asha Rani
The pain of losing a parent can't be described in words, Jack was a man of wisdom and full of kindness, His life was complete with a loving family. May his soul rest in peace And all your sorrows cease, Stay strong as we are with you in this grief.
February 10, 2017
Kristin Amos
I'm deeply sadden to learn of the passing of my dear friend Jack. I send love, and prayers of peace and comfort for Thelma and his family. I feel so privileged to be a tiny part of the huge impact and legacy that Jack leaves on our county and community! He was truly one in a million! I know that I am a better person for knowing, learning from, and practicing with sweet Jack.
February 10, 2017
Dale Vaughan
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