James Edward "Ed" Cannon Sr.

James Edward Cannon, Sr. (Ed), was born to Evelyn Pratt Cannon and Edward Emile Cannon on August 12, 1946, in Monroe, Louisiana. Ed passed away peacefully on August 21, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Ed is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lia Morrison Cannon, son, James E. Cannon, Jr. (Jay), his daughter, Corey Cannon, and one granddaughter, Mary Ava Cannon. Also, left to honor his memory are his sisters, Marilyn Turner, Charlotte (Garry) Smith, and brother Michael (Kellye) Cannon. He also leaves behind a large and loving extended family, 3 sisters-in-law,3 brothers-in law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Oak Grove, Louisiana, where he lived until his graduation from Oak Grove High School. Ed was a good student, attained the distinct honor of Eagle Scout, participated in sports, and was the president of his graduating class.

Upon graduation, Ed moved back to Monroe to attend Northeast Louisiana State College, now University of Louisiana at Monroe. There he pursued a degree in Pharmacy. In his 4th year of his 5 year curriculum, he was called to serve in the United State Army and was deployed to Viet Nam. There, he served in the First Cavalry as a combat infantry soldier.

Upon completion of his service, Ed returned to Monroe to finish his Pharmacy degree. It was at this time that he met and married his wife of 54 years, Lia Morrison Cannon, on August 19, 1972.

Ed dedicated himself completely to everything he endeavored, his marriage, his family, his career.

Upon retirement after 40 plus years, he was free to enjoy many other pass times. He began re-reading classics and more contemporary literature, managing his beautiful landscaping, participating in neighborhood board duties, and helping to keep his neighborhood safe and beautiful. He could be found walking his canine companion, Archie, twice a day. That duo became known as the “mayor and ambassador”, of Point Place.

Ed had a servant heart and was often called upon by neighbors and family to perform any task which needed doing, whether hanging someone’s flag, repairing a mailbox, helping with pool pumps.

He dedicated his life to providing for and keeping his family safe and protected.

On any federal holiday on which the American flag is displayed, he set an alarm for sunrise and placed American flags at the entrance to the subdivision and then, at official sunset, he and Archie would retrieve those flags. All done, not by request, but because he was a great patriot.

Also, in retirement, Ed began writing his memoirs of Viet Nam and sharing them with his friends and family. His work was published several times in “The Saber”, a publication for veterans of the 1st Cavalry. He discovered that these stories were therapeutic not only for himself, but for other veterans.

Funeral mass will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church with Rev. Peter B. Mangum and Rev. Joseph Martina officiating under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd. Monroe.

At his request, interment will follow in the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Rayville, LA. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday evening at Mulhearn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite charity, the Northeast Louisiana Veteran’s Home, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.