John James 'Jack' Edwards, 96

MIDDLETOWN - John James "Jack" Edwards of Middletown died Monday, June 9, 2008, in Broadmeadow Healthcare, Middletown. He was 96.

Mr. Edwards was born Jan. 19, 1912, in Millington, Md., eldest (and last surviving) of five children of the late John Raymond and Mary Frances (Ringgold) Edwards.

He was a member of the "Greatest Generation." He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II as a flight engineer and gunner on various bombers. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant while fighting over Italy and North Africa, flying 29 official missions and another five voluntary, "unofficial" missions.

After the war, Mr. Edwards was employed as a master mechanic at several locations, eventually retiring as foreman from Delaware Steel Service after 28 years.

He was an avid boater of 50-plus years, plying the waters of the Chesapeake Bay aboard one of his several boats, all named the "LACA" (Leave All Cares Ashore). He was also a lifelong learner of all things.

Mr. Edwards was active in the Masons, a 54-year member of Lodge 11, A.F.& A.M. He served as Commodore of the Nur Temple Yacht Club, having held previous offices of Fleet Captain, Rear Commodore and Vice Commodore.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by long-time companion Violet Brabson; and by his wife, Dorothy (Kline) Peters Edwards, whom he had married following Ms. Brabson's death.

He is survived by five nephews, Phillip M. Edwards Jr. of Mascot, Va., Vincent M. Edwards of Dover, John E. Williams of Del Haven, N.J.; Edward S. Davis of Middletown and Steven R. Kline of Doylestown, Pa.; one niece, Araleigh Candy of Smyrna; and many loving great-nieces and great-nephews.

Celebration of life services, as Jack sets sail for his final voyage and adventure, will be 11 a.m. Monday in Fellows Funeral Home, 370 W. Cypress St., Millington, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial with brief military honors will be 1 p.m. Monday in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Shriners Children's Hospital, Philadelphia Unit, c/o Nur Shrine, P.O. Box 10085, Wilmington, DE 19850-0085.

Online condolences may be made at www.fhnfuneralhome.com.