James Edwin Sanders went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 8, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on May 21, 1935, in Vivian, Louisiana to O.C. and Elizabeth Sanders. Jim graduated from Vivian High School in 1953 where he excelled in athletics as a basketball and football player. He was coached by his father, O.C. Sanders, and in his senior year was selected to the Louisiana All-State Football Team in 1953 and played in the high school football all-star football game that same year. Jim received a football scholarship to LSU where he played for the Tigers two years before transferring to Northwestern State University where he received a bachelor's degree in education in 1957 and later his master's degree.

Jim joined the United States Army in 1958 and, after basic training, served his country stationed in West Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1961 and returned to Shreveport to pursue his career in education and coaching. Jim taught and coached at North Highlands Elementary and Youree Drive Junior High, served as assistant principal at Eden Gardens and Claiborne Elementary, and served as principal at Judson Elementary and finally as principal at University Elementary for 15 years until his retirement from the Caddo Parish Schools system. After retirement from his career in education, Jim worked another 22 years in the Willis Knighton hospital system.

Jim loved working with his teachers and the children under his charge in Caddo Parish. Often called PawPaw, he was a loving husband and father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He also loved Elvis, and much like the King, he too has now "left the building."

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Tommy Powell of Shreveport, and his first wife Sara Haynes Sanders. He is survived by his wife of nearly 34 years Dicksey Gerlach Sanders of Shreveport, LA; his children James Edwin Sanders Jr of Shreveport, Susan Sanders Magner and husband Mark of Houston, TX, Meredith Brown Melancon and husband David of Alexandria, LA , and Mitchell Brown and wife Stephanie Svanfeldt of Edmonds, WA; his grandchildren Grant Magner and wife Mandi of Houston, TX, Casey Magner and wife Kaytlynn of Houston, TX, Larsen Sanders and Eleanor Virginia Melancon of Alexandria, LA, and Louisa River and Fredrik Huckleberry Brownfeldt of Edmonds, WA; great granddaughters Blair, Lucy, Kennedy, and Molly James Magner of Houston, TX; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Vernita Brown and Linda Williams and the caretakers at The Glen. Jim wished for any memorials or donations be made to Louisiana Baptist Children's Home & Family Ministries of Monroe, LA.

A Military Honors service will be held at the NW Louisiana Veterans Cemetery on Wed March 19, 2025, at 10:30 am, located at 7970 Mike Clark Road, Keithville, LA 71047. Afterwards, the family will host a Reception/Celebration of Life at 578 Waterford Dr, Shreveport LA 71106 at noon.