Edwin W. James of Hilltown Township died peacefully on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Cedar Crest Hospice. He was 78.

Ed was the devoted husband of Jane R. Devens James with whom he had shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John E. and Margaret Ott James and brother of the late Philip and David James.

A graduate of Neshaminy High School, Ed went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University. He would go on to serve with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, along with his two brothers, all serving in different branches. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to the Philadelphia area and led a long career with the former Betz Laboratories, retiring from the role of product manager in 1997. Ed enjoyed a second “career” at Thompson BMW in Doylestown for over ten years. A lifelong road cyclist, he participated twice in the Thompson Bucks County Classic in the amateur 30-mile event.

Ed was an extremely talented golfer, a sport that he pursued from youth and then shared with his daughter and son-in-law. He spent early weekend hours on a local course with his regular group and took many golf trips with friends. As a young man, he obtained the rank of Life Scout and was extremely proud of his grandson, Sam, who recently attained that rank. He was an avid philatelist with an extensive U.S. stamp collection. Ed loved to downhill and cross country ski, painted engaging water colors, and was an all around history buff. He was “first mate” on his brother-in-law Pete’s boat on junkets to the Vineyard and Nantucket with family and friends. To say “he did it all” would be an understatement.

One of the accomplishments he took great pride in was working alongside his wife Jane, transforming a canvas of cornfields into their beloved Glenfiddich farm. It meant so much building the home they loved, made beautiful not only because of their hard work, but because of the countless family memories they shared there. Ed and Jane also built a respectable early lighting collection that held a special meaning for both.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his daughter, Jennifer R. Maxwell (Michael A.) of Atlanta, GA; his grandson, Samuel A. Maxwell; his sister-in-law, Joanne Devens; his cousin, Dot Smiley; and his beloved pets, large and small.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his graveside services on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA 18940 where those in attendance are asked to gather at the cemetery’s office no later than 12:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104.