Dr. James Howard Edmonson, 74, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, at home. He was born in Sylacauga to the late Cecil and Flora Owinge Edmonson.

He was a distinguished educator, lawyer, minister, civic leader, historian and a retired Colonel. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kelly Coleman Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Frances T. Edmonson; two daughters, Betsy (Dwight) Porter of Jackson, Tenn., and Dr. Deborah (Dr. Kevin) Thoni of Orlando, Fla.; one son, Dr. James D. (Julie) Edmonson of Corinth, Miss.; two sisters, Cecil Jean Robinson and Helen Brand, both of Columbiana; and 14 grandchildren.

Service was Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel in Jackson, Tenn., Dr. William L. Hacker presiding and Dr. Ivy Scarborough assisting. Burial featuring military honors followed in Ridgecrest Cemetery