Cornelius James "Jim" Edson, Jr.

Cornelius James “Jim” Edson Jr. went to meet his Lord on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Wesley Willows Nursing Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Belvidere, the son of Cornelius J. and Jeanette (Nelson) Edson, Sr. He was a graduate of Rockford East High School, class of 1950. Jim was a veteran of the Army serving during the Korean War where he was a member of the Honor Guard for General Taylor. He married Janis Hill on December 1, 1956. She passed away on March 22, 2004. He then married Carol Probell on September 19, 2005. He returned home to join his father in his family business of Edson Motors that was an extremely successful business for nearly 50 years. They sold used cars and eventually brought the Renault, Subaru and Peugeot brands to Rockford. He won numerous trips to Japan and France with his successful sales record. Jim was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for 67 years. He was active in many organizations including the Lions Club, Gideons, Christian Businessmen, the Korean War Veterans and Youth for Christ, Jim was a very strong and devout Christian man and witnessed to everyone he met. He had a passion for life. His life was Jesus first, then family and then his horses. He raised American Saddlebreds on his 7 acre property which he kept meticulous until the age of 85. His family was very important to him. He always enjoyed family gatherings and was such an intense presence that he ,will be very missed. In later years he moved to Wesley Willows where he loved his Saturday morning breakfasts with the guys and attending the Wednesday Chapel. He was truly the most positive, hardworking and friendly man. His positive attitude in every situation was so uplifting to all those around him. He had a wonderful life and we were so very blessed to share it with him. Jim was a one-of-a-kind man and an encourager to all!

Survived by his loving wife Carol; his daughters, Jaymie (Robert) Batutis and Jennifer Evans; his step-daughter, Kim Swanson; his grandchildren, Michael (Carrie) Batutis. Hilary (Kris) Vesely, Noelle (Joshua) Clark, Jonathan (Mara) Nauert and Joseph Nauert; his great-grandchildren, Jack Clark, Hunter and Mason Batutis, Violet Vesely and Alara and Teddy Nauert; his sister, Gloria McKinney.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 2, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural Street, Rockford, with Reverend Rob James officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Monday at the church. Services will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/oslc/live. Memorials may be made in Jim’s name to Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St. Rockford, IL 61102. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.