James ‘Stocky’ Edwards: Comox, B.C. remembers 100-year-old Canadian fighter pilot

Plans are underway to honour a World War II fighter pilot who died this weekend and who called Comox, B.C. home for 50 years.

James “Stocky” Edwards, 100, was Canada’s highest scoring ace in the Western Desert campaign. He served nearly 32 years with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

He joined the RCAF in 1940 at the age of 19.

Before the war was Edwards would shoot down 18 planes in direct air-to-air combat.

At 19, he turned down the Chicago Blackhawks to hitchhike 90 miles and enlist to fight the Nazis.

He rarely saw planes as a kid in Saskatchewan, but wanted to fly. 373 combat missions. 19 confirmed aerial victories.

Wing Commander James F. Edwards has died.

Blue skies, Stocky. pic.twitter.com/nw9NubQWRC

— Canadian Forces in (@CAFinUS) May 16, 2022

Comox Mayor Russ Arnott became friends with Edwards later in his life through his work with the Department of National Defence.

“Even though he was this larger-than-life person, he was a very humble man. He downplayed a lot what he had done. He was just a very nice, kind man,” Arnott told CityNews. “He was someone you could sit down and have some really good conversations with and just be in awe of what he has accomplished in this long life of his.”

Arnott says Edwards was always willing to share his knowledge, serving as a mentor to many younger pilots and other members of the RCAF.

But he admits ‘Sparky’ left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

“He kept active until late in his life. We would see him walking around and him and his wife, Tony, they lived near town hall — we would greet them, they would greet other folks,” Arnott explained.

Edwards earned several accolades for his military service over the years, including the Distinguished Flying Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat success

Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame is saddened by the passing of Inducted Member and fighter pilot of the Second World War, James 'Stocky' Edwards. Our condolences to friends and family. #CAHF #Aviation #Canada #pilot pic.twitter.com/uCalU9Ei1H

— Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame (@CAHF_73) May 16, 2022

Arnott says council will start looking at ways to further honour the Saskatchewan-born man’s legacy, though that will be no easy feat.

“Because this is all fresh to us, council and I will sit down and we’ll discuss next steps as to what this means,” the mayor explained.

“You know, receiving the Freedom of the Town back in 2007 was an honour that is not shared with many, and so we’ll try to beat that and perhaps have something in the community that will recognize Stocky,”

Edwards was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2004.

“He was just a super nice, sweet man. Like I said, he was very humble right to the end. It’s sad to see him go but I think he was only three weeks shy of his 101st birthday, so he lived a long and healthy life,” the mayor said. 

Flags in Comox flew at half staff Monday.

A military funeral — complete with a fly-by — is set to take place on Friday.