James D. Edmondson, 94, of Toccoa, Ga. passed away on September 27, 2024 in Toccoa, Georgia after a short illness.  He was known for his gift of gab and loved telling stories and cracking jokes to anyone who would listen.

The Wayne County native was a member of Church of God and served in the Air Force where he studied Electronic Fundamentals, Radar and Guided Missiles.  He was the guided system specialist on the first guided missile launch from Cape Canaveral. After his honorable discharge, he entered the newly organized space program.

His professional career and education grew along with the Information Technology Revolution beginning in 1955.  He started as an electronic technician setting up central control at Cape Canaveral and Down Range Tracking Stations. He worked his way up to Computer Hardware Engineer and Programmer and Systems Analyst.  In the Apollo Program, his group was charged with checking out the Apollo and LEM Modules, training the flight crews and writing the computer program for the moon flights and other missions. He was promoted to the Superintendent of Apollo Engineering Down Range Tracking Stations.

In 1967, he resigned from the Space Program and entered the ministry with the Church of God. James went back to school to obtain a DD in Religion.  In 1993, he retired from pastoring but remained active in ministry. His wife of 63 years, Joanne Sewell Edmondson preceded him in death along with his parents, Lewis and Inez Edmondson, a daughter Marcia Edmondson Ensley and a grandson, Zane Ensley, a sister, Jeannette Moody, and brothers D. L. Edmondson and Grady Edmondson.

Survivors are a wife, Brownie Sapp Edmondson; daughter, Bridget (Jerry) Murphy of Clermont, Fla.; a son, Dale (Veranda) Edmondson of Duluth, Ga.; 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life and entombment will be 1 PM Saturday, October 19, 2024 in Screven City Mausoleum.