James Edwards, 60, 1st racer down Norwalk's track

He was born June 10, 1942 in Lorain and had been a lifelong Lorain area resident.

He was a graduate of Lorain High School.

Mr. Edwards was the owner/operator of the Corner Store in Lorain for 20 years where he sold and repaired model trains. Prior to that he owned and operated Edwards Garage & Towing in Lorain during the mid 1960's to mid 1980's.

During the 1960's-1970's he drag raced at Norwalk Raceway and was the first racer down Norwalk's track.

He was a member of numerous model train and classic car clubs and the National Hot Rod Association.

He is survived by his son James R. Edwards, Jr. of Dublin, Ohio. Others include daughter JoLynn Woodward of Lorain, stepson Scot Donahue of Lorain, and grandsons Jake Woodward and Dom Woodward both of Lorain. Brothers Jack Edwards Jr. of Victoria, Texas and Terry Edwards of Lorain. Sisters Kathy Edwards of Lorain and Nancy Edwards of Houston Texas.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Ashley Woodward and parents Jack and Anitha (nee Stauder) Edwards.

Cremation will take place. A memorial mass will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1305 E. Erie Ave., Lorain. The Rev. Church Henkle, associate pastor, will officiate.

Memorial contributions can be made to New Life Hospice, 5255 N. Abbe Rd., Elyria, OH 44035.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain.