James William "Sonny" Hedges

James W. Hedges, 64, passed away January 29, 2023, after a yearlong battle with liver cancer. “Sonny” as he was known by his friends and family was born in California but was raised in Pensacola, FL. Sonny moved to New Orleans in the early 1990’s and New Orleans became his home.

Sonny was an ICU nurse for over 40 years. He worked in Pensacola at Baptist Hospital before moving to New Orleans. Sonny worked at Charity Hospital, Tulane, Touro and finally University Hospital where he was planning to retire from on Feb 9th, his 65th birthday.

He is preceded in death by his mother Secora Collins, father Robert Hedges, and stepfather Harland Stewart. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Christopher and Debi Hedges of Lakewood Ranch, FL and his stepbrother Michael Cobb of Pensacola, FL. He is also survived by his three best friends Jerry Holland, Linda Backes and Janette Hughes.

Sonny’s passion was his music. He loved playing the guitar and writing music. He made two albums, “Post-K Primitive Urban Blues” and “Fire and Fury”, with his band The Midnight Creeps. Sonny loved the Blues culture and was a walking encyclopedia of blues artist and songs. He loved Jazz Fest and attended every year. Sonny also loved Mardi Gras and all the local bars with local music talent. He was not an outgoing person but left an indelible mark on the people he met and this community. He will be missed dearly by all those who knew him.

Sonny’s family and friends will celebrate his life on February 11th.  We will gather at his home, 2473 Burgundy Street, at 1 pm for a meet and greet, then walk down to the French quarter to several of his favorite places to celebrate his life and Mari Gras. All are welcome to join us.

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