From left, J. Bryce Ireland, Jeff Ireland, Brenda Ireland, Dan Johanson and Roseanne Johanson stand outside their new location. J. Edward Insurance Agency acquired The Johanson Agency in October of last year. P-J photo by Carly Gould

J. Edwards Insurance Agency will be celebrating its merger with The Johanson Agency on Oct. 1.

The agency acquired The Johanson Agency one year ago and is located at 800 W. Third St., the previous location of Trinity Guitars.

The agency also has a second location at 9 E. Main St., Panama. J. Edwards Insurance was founded in 1957 by Panama dairy farmers Joe and Geneva Edwards began selling insurance for Chautauqua Patrons Insurance to their neighbors and other farmers.

Joe and Jean Edwards took over the business in 1975 opening up an office in Panama and a second location in Lakewood in 1988.

Current owner of the agency, Brenda Ireland, the third generation, came to the agency in 1986 becoming President in 2000.

Today she works closely with her husband, Jeff, and their son, J. Bryce.

“We’ve had a history of expanding our business,” Brenda Ireland said. “We’re going to do what we’ve done since 1957 and that’s taking care of our clients and treating them like family.”

The Johanson Agency was founded by Fred Johanson in 1960, and was succeeded by his son, Daniel Johanson, in 1985. Johanson retired after 43 years in business and merged with J. Edwards Insurance Agency.

“We weren’t able to celebrate last year because things were moving so fast,” Brenda Ireland said. “It was a matter of moving his business and my business to West Third Street and joining two successful agencies into one. So, I’m looking forward to celebrating Oct. 1. We’ve had a great year working with Dan and getting to know his clients.

She said she looked forward to serving the former Johanson Agency customers as well. She that added both old and new clients are enjoying the new location and have been giving a lot of positive feedback.

“I think it’s a perfect time to keep a business in Jamestown,” Brenda Ireland said. “It’s growing, it’s improving, it’s thriving. There are more and more small businesses opening up. It’s great to be in business, on West Main Street with my family and staff.”

J. Edwards Insurance Agency is an independent company that works with a variety of insurance companies securing insurance in to fit the client’s needs for business, home, auto and farm insurance. It is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. For more information, visit jedwardsinsurance.com or call 484-1288 (Jamestown) 782-4615 (Panama).