Eddie D. James, 90, of Owensboro passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville. The Ohio County native was born October 22, 1935, to the late Ercie James and Bertha L. Chinn James. As a child, Eddie would sit on his front porch and watch the trains travel the railroad across from his house. This created in him a love and devotion to trains for the rest of his life. He attended McHenry High School and received his GED in Arkansas while serving in the Army. Eddie’s vocation included sales, service, and installation of digital organs. He was the last surviving founding member of the Owensboro and Elsewhere Railroad Club and served as their Secretary/Treasurer for 57 years. Eddie also belonged to the Indiana Railway Museum and the Illinois Railway Museum.
In addition to his parents, Eddie also was preceded in death by his sisters, Deloris VanFleet, Arlene Leach, and Betty Harrelson.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 60 years, Betty Jean Crowder James and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Eddie James will be Noon Monday, June 8 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with same day visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial with military honors will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens Field of Honor.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Owensboro and Elsewhere Railroad Club, 2424 Bolivar St. Owensboro, KY 42303.
Condolences and memories for Eddie’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com.