John Miles Edwards was born May 15, 1959 in Rantoul, Ill. to Billy and Mildred Edwards. He spent his formative years in Port Gibson, Miss. where he found a love for wildlife and nature.

John attended the University of Mississippi where he earned a Bachelors of Art degree and met his wife Dorothy Edwards. In 1979 John joined the Christian faith and fully committed himself to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was a true believer who felt called as a missionary for his faith to the people of Nigeria, West Africa.

Between 1985 and 2014, John and Dorothy raised five children, Isaac Edwards, Joshua Edwards, Elizabeth Graham, Caleb Edwards and John Edwards. John lived much of his adult life in Crystal Springs Miss. with his family, worked several factory jobs and attended church at Springs of Praise World Outreach Center.

Memories of John are still cherished by his wife, five children, four grandchildren and three sisters.