May 18, 2017

James Edens, North Carolina watermelon industry supporter, dies

James Nathaniel Edens, Jr., 85, of Scotts Hill, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

Mr. Edens was a long-time board member for the North Carolina Watermelon Association and was affiliated with Edens Produce of Wilmington, North Carolina.

He was born to parents, James Nathaniel and Lola Jackson Edens, Sr., and preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Edens, Sr., sisters, Edna Howard and Bobbie Jean Edens. Surviving is his devoted wife of 62 years, Doris E. Edens; son, Ronald James (Sharon) of Scotts Hill; daughter, Susan Edens Harrison (Brent) of Nogales, AZ; grandsons, Ronnie Jr., Jeremy, and Ethan Edens of Scotts Hill and James Harrison and Eden Harrison of Nogales, AZ; a brother, Stanley (Stuffy) Hansley, and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Edens.  He also leaves behind special nieces and nephews who are like his own children, Jerry Edens, Jr., Janice Suggs, Gregory Edens, and Lisa Grant.

He served in the United States Army from January 1955 to January 1957. Mr. Edens retired from J.H. Lea & Sons Seafood as a wholesale seafood salesman for over fifty years.  After retirement he continued with his lifelong love of farming (Edens Produce) and commercial fishing.  He was a lifelong member of Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church in Scotts Hill. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2017, at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jeff Roberts and the Rev. David Goehring officiating.  The family will receive friends in Lee Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the Cemetery Fund of Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, 10255 US Hwy. 17, Wilmington, NC, 28411.