The ultimate sportsman has embarked on his most adventurous journey. John Edmunds, 93, well known in harness racing and loved by many, died Feb. 1, 2023, in Vero Beach, Fla., surrounded by life-long friends.

John Edmunds, 93, died Feb. 1, 2023. Provided photo.

Mr. Edmunds was a third-generation horseman, born to Leroy and Mildred Edmunds, in New London, N.H. He drove his first race at Windsor Fair in Maine in 1945 and later that same week scored his first win.

His promising harness racing career was put on hold when he joined the Army’s 82nd Airborne (1951-1954) as a paratrooper and jumpmaster. A Korean War veteran, honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant First Class, he was proud of his service to his country. He remembered his years as a paratrooper by taking his last jump at age 85 to celebrate his birthday.

Mr. Edmunds resumed his harness racing career in Pinehurst, N.C., in 1954, training with Frank Safford and Earle Avery prior to opening his own public stable in 1955 at the age of 24. Edmunds Stable in Pinehurst was by all measures large and successful.

Training and wintering his horses in Pinehurst, Mr. Edmunds spent the racing season at tracks such as Monticello, Yonkers, and Roosevelt Raceway in New York and later the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey.

Over the duration of his career, the horses he trained and raced would break world records and secure millions in earnings for their owners.

In his free time, he enjoyed golf, was an avid deep-sea fisherman and life-long RV enthusiast, splitting his time between Vero Beach and Pinehurst in his later years.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Bob) Baer; brother, Tad Edmunds; grandsons, Brenton and Ryan; as well as many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Mildred; wife, Virginia Garner Edmunds; son, John Jr.; second wife, Billie Thomas; and sister, Lucille.

He will be honored at the Pinehurst Matinee Races in April with a race dedicated to his memory. He will be laid to rest in Pinehurst beside his wife and son. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the charity of one’s choice.