James EdwardsIn December, 2013, Reverend Dr. Edwards retired as the pastor of New Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA after 20 years of service. Previously he served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Orlando, Suffolk, VA. Dr. Edwards has als served as the Youth Coordinator and Associate Minister at his beloved home church, Historic First Baptist Church on Bute Street, Norfolk, VA. Rev. Edwards served three years in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer and rose from the rank of second lieutenant to captain. While on active duty in Vietnam, he was awarded several medals, including two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He is a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He currently serves as the Immediate Past 54th President of the 130 year old historic Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers' Conference of VA, Inc. His numerous civic and professional affiliations include his current position of chaplain for Lambda Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as well as, chaplain for the fraternity's 3rd District. He received the chapter's Unsung Hero Award in 2004, Citizen of the year in 2008, and the Omega Man of the Year Award in 2012. Rev. Dr. Edwards was inducted into the Norfolk State University Military Alumni Hall of Fame in 1998. He served two consecutive terms on the board of the Norfolk State University National Alumni Association and is a Life Member. He also holds life membership in the Purple Heart Military Order of Purple Heart Assoc. of the USA and the New Vietnam Veterans of America. In November, 2010, Dr. Edwards was awarded the prestigious honor of induction into the Distinguished Alumni Academy of Norfolk State University. In June, 2012, he was awarded the community service award by the Portsmouth chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Dr. Edwards, his wife Rev. Dee and family received the John H. Foster Family Award for Community Service in August, 2012 given by the Hampton Roads Pro-Am Basketball League, Inc. Dr. Edwards has taught undergraduate courses at the Richmond Virginia Seminary, Norfolk Extension and the VA Union University School of Theology, Norfolk Extension. He has conducted revivals locally and nationally. With his wife, Rev. Dee, they conduct Christian Education and marital workshops together. Rev. Dr. Edwards earned his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Norfolk Theological Seminary and College, Norfolk, VA and his Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University, Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology in Richmond, VA. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Norfolk State University. He has been married to the former Delores Hall Winfield for fifty-one years. Together they have three adult daughters, two sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, and one great grandson. Read More Read Less