James R. “Jim” Edwards, 65, of Alma, passed away March 18, 2026, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon. He was born on September 6, 1960, in Streator, IL, the son of Donald and Edna (Quick) Edwards. He married the love of his life, Malinda, at the Patoka Methodist Church in 1983, and she survives him in Alma.
Along with his beloved wife, Malinda, Jim is survived by his daughters, Crystal Defend (Connor) of Centralia, Mindy Lambert (Todd) of Salem, and Nicole Edwards (fiancé Stephani Dodson) of Salem; grandchildren, Jasmine, Skyler, Jaida, Aiden, Braxton, Blaise, Grayson, Malia; great-grandchildren, Ryder, Allison; brother, John Edwards (Crystal Renee) of Centralia; sisters, Molly Rounsavall of Central City, Donna Trainor (Jack) of Centralia, Ronda Schuchmann of Centralia; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Edna Edwards, stepfather, Jim Chapman; mother and father-in-law, Billy and Barbara Back.
Jim was a loving husband to Malinda ‘Back’ for 45 years. Together, they had three wonderful girls. That grew into a very tight-knit family, and have always done everything together. No matter what was going on he taught them to always help someone who needed help. Jim was always a goofy, loving, fun guy. He could make anyone laugh, whether it was him being silly, his jokes, or the projects he would make. There was never a dull moment. There was always laughter around him. He loved to stay busy with projects, from building a shed to making the grandkids’ piggy banks. He was the Dad, Papa, and Brother who was always admired. He loved to be outside; he has always loved the country. From hunting, fishing, or rocking on the front porch, admiring God’s creation, he cherished it all. He loved to be around his family and talk about the good old days or the next big project he wanted to do. He was a loving husband, dad, and brother who was always a call away. Jim was also a great food tester; he always had to make sure the food was safe for everyone to eat. He loved picking on his wife, from tracking mud in the house to building something silly, he knew just how to keep her on her toes. Jim will be missed for the rest of their lives. Jim lives in eternity now, with nothing but laughs and smiles, enjoying the loved ones who have already passed. While hearts here grieve for what there once was. Until they are all reunited once again.
A celebration of life service will be held by the family at a later date. Day Macz Funeral Homes of Patoka and Sandoval are privileged to be assisting the family of Jim Edwards with arrangements. Online condolences and memories of Jim may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
