James Edsel (Ed) Judd

December 24, 1925 – January 11, 2026

On January 11, 2026, James Edsel (Ed) Judd of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away at the age of 100.  He   was the third of 5 children born to (parents) James Clement Judd and Edna Elma Veatch Judd.  He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Thelma Earlene (Judd) Luddeke, Velma Ilene (Judd) Wilson, brother, Earl Franklin Judd, and Marcia Ann York, former wife and mother of his 3 children.

Ed was born in the small Northeast Missouri town of Coatsville, on December 24th, 1925, and lived a typical Pre-Great Depression, rural life.  He attended a 2-room school for grades 1-8 and was enrolled in Lancaster High School, 10 miles from his home in Coatsville. His high school matriculation was interrupted when the USA became directly involved in WW II in 1941.  At 18 years of age, Ed had no aspirations to leave his rural northeast Missouri roots but felt it his solemn duty as a patriot to defend the country and family he loved. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on his 18th birthday in 1943.  Ed completed basic training in the summer of 1944 and was assigned to a B-17 bomber as a ball turret gunner.  His group flew out of England, engaging targets in both Germany and Belgium.  He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1946.  Upon his discharge, Ed returned to Lancaster, MO, completed his high school requirements, and graduated with the Class of 1947.  He enrolled at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in 1959, completing a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1962.  He was extremely proud of his service to our country and wore his "Veteran of WW II" cap daily.

Ed was a creative, multi-talented entrepreneur, businessman, teacher and leader. A visionary thinker and excellent communicator, he led by example and hard work.  In his later years, he served as president of his condo board for 15 years with his final election to that position occurring when he was 99 years old.

Ed was a dedicated, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He encouraged his family to work hard and be the best they could be in all their endeavors.  Ed's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed listening to and participating in live music with his children and grandchildren.   He made countless trips to Missouri for family music parties. Those who knew and loved him find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. He had many colleagues, mentees, and friends and was a positive example and inspiration to all who knew him.

Ed is survived by his wife of 45 years, Debra (Bartlett) Judd of Phoenix, AZ,  his brother, Ronald Clayton (Curly) Judd and wife, Wilma Joyce, of Lancaster, MO, his son, James Frederick Judd and wife Diane of Greentop, MO, his daughter Janet Marie Judd Bailey  of Louisville, KY and his son, John Jeffrey Judd of Clearwater, FL; 4 grandchildren, Natalie Ann Dye of Louisville, KY and Janson Edward Bailey and wife Adrienne of Louisville, KY, James Kristopher Judd of Holts Summit, MO,  and Dr. Katherine Ann Judd of Kirksville, MO; 4 Great Grandchildren, Ryan Bailey of Louisville, KY, Joslyn Judd, Jameson Judd & Lenora Judd, all of Holts Summit, MO and many  nieces and nephews.

It was Ed's wish to be cremated and have his ashes interred in the National Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.  His interment with military honors is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the National Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85024.