Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AHKWESAHSNE – After a lengthy illness, Mr. James F. Edwards, Sr., 79, Snipe Clan, known to many as "Sonny" of 76 Solomon Road, entered the Spirit World on Monday afternoon, March 23, 2015 at his home with his loving wife and children by his side.

Sonny was born February 10, 1936 in Syracuse, the son of the late Elmer James and Hattie Terrance Edwards and attended schools in Ahkwesahsne. On April 17, 1970, he married Helen E. Montour on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

Sonny was a structural steel ironworker with Local #440 in Utica until his retirement in 1970 due to becoming disabled due to a motor vehicle accident. In 1971, he was seated as a faith keeper by the Iroquois Confederacy in Tonawanda. He was belonged to the Mohawk Nation Longhouse, was a proud member of the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #513 in Massena; and a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group. Sonny was also very proud of his Native American Heritage and enjoyed talking about the Longhouse and the Mohawk culture. He took great pleasure in traveling to other Longhouses on other Reservations. He enjoyed wood crafting and burning, enjoyed making furniture – especially cabinets, and loved the time he was able to spend on the water whether it was boating or fishing.

Sonny is survived by his loving wife, Helen; his children, Kanekiiostha Edwards, of Ahkwesahsne; Dean Edwards and his companion, Janet Johnson of Snye; Terri Ann Edwards and her companion Robert Cole, of Racquette Point; Lana Collier and husband, Phillip of Boise, Idaho; Rene Huff of Seneca Nation; Sharon Jacobs of Kanawake, and Anthony; his grandchildren, Rohonwakete, Raienkonnis, Atonhwatase, Robert, Andrew, DaCoda, Ashley, Jennifer, Jamie, Christopher, Andrew, James, Dominque, Robbie, John, Tekonwasterihatha, and Ietsistohkwase; many great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two daughters, Donna McEwan and Michelle Edwards; and two sons, Robert Sawatis, and James Edwards; and two sisters, Christine Wheeler and Dorothy Cook.

Friends may call at his home, 75 Solomon Road, beginning 5:00PM Wednesday until 10:00 AM Friday. Funeral service will be held Friday 11:00 AM at the Mohawk Nation Longhouse.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Hospice of the North Country or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.