James "Ed" Archer, 66, passed away on September 18, 2025, with his wife and daughter at his side, after a brief but courageous fight at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.
Born in Troy, Ala., to Holland Nathaniel and Katie Archer, Ed grew up in Jackson alongside his siblings. He graduated from Callaway High School and attended Jackson State University. His passion was hospitality and entertainment, and the chapter of his life spent at the Cherokee Inn and other Jackson venues was rich with stories, friendships, and unforgettable moments.
In 1990, Ed moved to Tampa where he met the love of his life, Nancy Bauwens. They married in 1992 and welcomed their sweet daughter, Hannah Meghan, in 1996—completing their family. Ed cherished his role as a stay-at-home dad during Hannah’s early years and later built a successful career in the emerging recycling and ethanol recovery industries before retiring in 2021.
Ed was known for his quick wit, kindness, and remarkable ability to connect with people, making everyone feel like family. He was deeply devoted to his loved ones and found joy in cooking, entertaining, hiking, and camping at the Ranch in Florida, in the Northeast Georgia Mountains, and most recently in Illinois.
His easy smile and engaging personality will be remembered by all who knew him. Ed’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of Nancy, Hannah, his family, and his many friends.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Nancy, Geneseo, Ill.; daughter, Hannah, San Francisco; Ray (Karen) Archer, Greenwood; Bob (Kay) Archer, Jackson; David Archer, Tampa; and Cheryl (Harry) Conner, Clarkesville, Ga.; Deb (Tom) Sherbeyn, Geneseo; and Shirley (Wes) Howe, Durant, Iowa. Ed also leaves behind many precious nieces, nephews, their spouses and children, all of whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Holland and Katie Archer; his in-laws Marvin Bauwens, Joyce Bauwens Parker, Roy Parker; siblings-in-law Cindy and Vince Newton, and niece, Meghan Howe.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on October 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Cellar Restaurant in Geneseo, where stories will be shared and his adventurous spirit will be honored in the way he would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club at georgia-atclub.org or the Rabun County Elementary School Agricultural Class, ATTN: Laurie Dills at 1115 Boggs Mountain Rd, Tiger, GA 30576.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their compassionate care, professionalism, and support during Ed’s final days. Their kindness brought comfort during a difficult time, and their efforts will always be remembered with deep gratitude.
