Obituary of James Robert Evans

James “Jim” “Jimmy” Robert Evans May 2, 1938 - many beautiful years - August 2, 2022 Between the dashes, were beautiful years of being a devoted husband and loving father. Last night ended with a hug and with an “I love you” having been spoken between our parents as a reminder of how “mom and dad” were so reliant on one another, inseparable through everything. This morning began with the knowledge that God had called dad home. Each dinner began with a blessing of grace and a kiss to make the meal sweet (as instructed by mom’s grandfather at their wedding). Nearly 61 years of marriage and at age 84, our father has graduated from earth and into the presence of our Heavenly Father, his Creator. Our father was the most peace-filled and generous man, showing steadfast loving kindness to his wife and family and selflessly serving his community. He never had a harsh word to say about another, and he was always the first to lend a helping hand and work hard until the job was done. He didn’t even raise his voice when one of us (ahem) spilled fingernail polish remover on his car. Dad loved golf, skiing, travel, family time, Christmas, Sunday night phone calls, and a life of virtue and interesting adventure, as any Eagle Scout would. And he’d beat you at cribbage. If you knew him in high school in Okmulgee, OK, you likely called him “Jimmy”, and when he put himself through Northwestern and met mom there, he matured to “Jim.” He had a love for learning. His degree was in Chemical Engineering but his joy was in perpetually learning by ferociously reading (earning advanced degrees in microbiology along the way), or attending the Nobel Conference each year or stopping at each road marker or museum display to read the placard. He read to stay current on everything from the climate to the food industry, comparing what he did in his career as a food scientist for 38 years with Pillsbury in Minneapolis. He earned several patents for Pillsbury and developed the notorious Poppin’ Fresh packaging, but more importantly, he made sure to be home on time for kids’ concerts, dance recitals, and soccer games. His fiery red hair made him stand out in a crowd but his calm demeanor drew people to him. Dad was blessed with friends from work, church, MOST, Golden Boys, Knights of Columbus, his many travels with mom, Habitat for Humanity, and volunteer crews. Dad left a devoted wife, three adoring children, 8 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter (and one on the way) with a spirit of exploration, a testimony of faith, and legacy of boundless love. Survived by his loving wife Connie Kolssak Evans, children Jenny (Paul) Ellison, Joyce (Bud) Burke, Curt (Celly) Evans, grandchildren Aubrey (Brad) Jones, Tyler Ellison, Kinzie and Kacey Burke, Caitlin, Courtney, Camryn, and Claire Evans. Sisters and brothers Margaret “Sis” Witherspoon, Kae (Larry) Fisher, Richard (Carolyn) Evans, Judy (Larry) Carmack, Marc (Gilda) Evans, SIL Carolyn (Greg) Lenski, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Denman and Georgia Evans and brother Carl. While colorblind, we are joyful to know that Dad is in Heaven, and he is seeing all the colors of God’s splendor. He will be missed beyond measure. A funeral Mass will be held in his honor at St. Therese in Mooresville at 9:30 AM, Saturday August 6th. A celebration of life will follow (details shared at mass). Donations can be made to the Knights of Columbus #7406 c/o St. Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117.