The Eastex Detachment of the Marine Corps League, presented a Marine Corp flag to be rehomed at the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park & Educati

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- He was a man of vision. A man of purpose. And in recent years, in his speeches at the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park during events, he was in his way preparing us for the day he would not be here to preside over its ceremonies. And that day has arrived. Judge Jimmie C. Edwards III is a Montgomery County treasurer. The lifetime U.S. Marine founded the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission and served as its first Chairman, with the aim of honoring United States Veterans and First Responders, by remembering their experiences and sacrifices. Judge Edwards was a driving force in forging Montgomery County into a powerhouse, making it a national and international destination for the families and friends of our military and first responders. It’s the Judge’s legacy; and it will live on. The plaza next to the Education Center on the campus was filled with Judge Jimmie’s family, friends, and well wishers this past Saturday, who were on-hand to honor the memory of the man and his vision in taking a swampish retention pond on I-45 in the middle of Montgomery County; and creating a place of peace and remembrance for the living and passed on Veterans who served Our Nation.

Judge Edwards was a man of service his entire life. As a young United States Marine in Vietnam, he was severely wounded, but with grit and determination, Edwards vowed to himself that he would be able to walk when he returned home to Montgomery County in greeting his family and friends standing up. And he did. The Judge went on to serve Montgomery County as State Representative and County Judge, and in retirement looked at the old Montgomery County War Memorial Park in Downtown Conroe, thinking ‘we can do better.’ Edwards thought on it, and in 2016 using his talent as an artist, designed the premier Veterans Memorial Park in The Nation.

The Judge then approached Montgomery County’s District 16 State Representative Will Metcalf, which started the complex process of working out the tangled County, and City of Conroe’s ownership of the land that would eventually become the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park, and its accompanying Educational Center.

“None of this would have been possible without Jimmy's vision and his support,” said Metcalf, as he pointed to the Veterans Memorial Park. “This is a place of reflection, not only for our community as a whole, but for our veterans and first responders and their families.”

Metcalf went on to say that the park brings a sense of peace, and encouragement to our youth, giving them a sense to fight for Our Rights and Freedoms.

Judge Edwards’ wife of 56 years, Debbie, now heads the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission as Madam Chairman, continuing His mission. She spoke lovingly of her husband, and the daughters they raised.

“Jimmy could go into a room and fill it,” said Ms. Debbie, speaking memorably of The Judge. “People wanted to know him. They wanted to talk to him.”

She recounted home stories of Judge Edwards sitting on their porch, wrapped in his blanket, drinking his coffee while listening to the birds, and worrying about his tomatoes. She shared the little known fact that Judge Edwards, while in his 50s, attended the University of Texas at San Antonio obtaining a degree in art; which besides painting, was instrumental in the design of the Veterans Memorial Park.

“I assure you, he planned the placement of every tree, bush, and flower, creating a place of beauty, of peace, and reverence,” said Ms. Debbie in noting the Judge’s design of the park. “He considered it ‘A Gift to The Nation.’”

Ms. Debbie concluded with Judge Edwards thoughts on the Veterans Memorial Park, and how it would continue long after his time on Earth had concluded. She spoke on the ‘Three phases of death:’

“One is the physical barrier, I mean the physical death, one is the burial, and the last is when the last person speaks your name,” said Ms. Debbie. “I look at this park, I look at this building, and I think it'll be a long time before Jimmy's name is forgotten.”

The Eastex Detachment 779 of the Marine Corps League, presented a Marine Corp flag to the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park & Educational Center, that Judge Edwards presented to the detachment when he returned home from Vietnam. The flag's journey has come full circle, and will be on display in the Honor Mission Educational Center. The band ‘Jazz Connection,’ a coalition of Montgomery County High School students, led by director Bob Price, played favorite pieces from the Big Band Era to the 1980s, and were very impressive. Senior Pastor Janet Stillwell of the Montgomery United Methodist Church, offered the opening prayer, and blessed the park.

Following the ceremony on the plaza, a seven man Marine Honor Detail, along with bagpiper Kristen McNutt, led a procession into the Veterans Memorial Park in remembrance of Judge Edwards and placed a wreath in his honor.

Please consider donating to this fine organization. For those who would like to nominate a Veteran to honor them with their name on the line, please check the MCVMC website.

And May God Bless the Soul of Judge Jimmie C. Edwards III, 1948-2026

Email: info@honoredmission.org