James D. Edwards

A 1970 Russ College Chemical Engineering graduate, Jim is retired after a forty-one-year career in industry, government, and private practice. He was with Burgess and Niple, for thirty-eight years where he managed the architectural, industrial, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering groups. He was an owner of the firm for twenty-two years and served two terms as Managing Partner 

Jim serves on the Russ College of Engineering Board of Visitors, the Ohio University Inn Board of Directors and is an emeriti Trustee of the Ohio University Foundation. He is managing partner for Jasmine Avenue Holdings, LLC. He was a founding director of the Worthington Christian Schools Endowment Fund, the Fostoria, Ohio Learning Center and Finish Line Ministries, International. He has served on the Board of Directors for Lower Lights Ministries and Lakeside Chautauqua.  

In May 2012 Jim was inducted into the Ohio University Russ College Academy of Distinguished Graduates. He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Ohio University. He has been a registered Professional Engineer in Ohio, Michigan, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas. 

Jim and his wife Sharon live in Westerville, Ohio. Sharon is a 1969 Ohio University graduate. Their son, Mike is an EMMY award winning film producer who owns the 5Stones Group in Columbus, Ohio. Mike’s wife Tiffany is an interior designer. Mike and Tiffany have three children and reside in Columbus.