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James Evans Obituary
Colonel James C. Evans
He grew up and attended school in Marysville, WA graduating from Marysville High School with the class of 1961. He graduated from Western Washington University with a B.A. in History and then the University of Washington with his Masters in Economics.
He passionately and patriotically served in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot for 30 years, eventually retiring as a full Colonel. Colonel James C. Evans was a former commander and professor of Aerospace Studies AFROTC Detachment 910, University of Washington. The Colonel entered the Air Force in July of 1967 and received his commission through Officers Training School. He did command an A-10 tactical fighter wing as well as an F-4 and F-16 tactical fighter squadron. He was Deputy Commander of Operations for Joint Task Force "Provide Comfort" which was responsible for all American, British, French, and Turkish aircraft flying Allied Air operations over Northern Iraq. He was a command pilot with over 4000 flying hours in the F-100, F-4, A-10, F-16 and F-5. He flew 381 Southeast Asia.
His decorations include Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 21 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendations Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Jim had a deep Christian faith, which was always evident in his profound love of family and his multitude of friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, and most of all working on projects around his and Val's dream home they built on Scenery Hill in Eureka, Montana. Montana and its environment nurtured his innate love of nature. He was bigger than life, and will be sorely missed.
Survivors include his wife, Valerie Evans, of Shoreline, WA; children, James Evans II, of Seattle, WA, Jennifer Bruton (Curtis), of Frisco, TX, and Angie Holmes (Chad), of Atlanta, GA; brothers, Michael Evans (Cindy), of Phoenix, AZ and John Evans (Deborah), of Napa Valley, CA; uncle, David Evans (Marie), of Marysville, WA; and grandchildren, Chase, Brennan, Delaney, and Kate.
He is still working on his water feature.
Services will be Saturday April 23, 2011, at 1p.m., Faith Community Church, 10220 238th St. S.W, Edmonds, WA 98020.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Jim's chosen charity: The Red River Valley Fighter Pilot Association's widow and orphan scholarship fund.
Online donations for the River Rats Scholarship fund:
river-rats.org/donations.php
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Evans
Grover L. (Skip) Rawlings, Jr. 69-03
April 14, 2025
Jim was one of the best!
Grover L. (Skip) Rawlings (69-03)
April 14, 2022
Enjoy the Eternal Rest, Col. Evans.
Dawn Peterson
April 28, 2011
This candle is for Val and Jim's Family. May the light continue to guide you and comfort you.
Curt Cooper
April 23, 2011
Jim-you will be greatly missed by the gang at Harbor Square and the pharmacy.
Dale, Tammy, and Barbara Gartrell
April 22, 2011
How shocking it was to hear of Uncle Jims passing. My wife and I were in Washington making funeral arrangements for my mother in law, when we received the call from my mother of the loss of Jim. Our hearts go out to the Val and family. We enjoyed our last visit together at Moms painting party, and the wonderful Christmas cards. It was always fun to read of all the trips and adventures you took throughout the year. Jim will be missed.
Sterling Gallagher
April 22, 2011
Jim, you will be missed. Enjoyed our times together in Virginia and England
Hiede & Matt Wheatley (Skivolocke)
April 21, 2011
Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family in this time of loss.
Deanna (Kilgore) Smith
April 21, 2011
Jimmy and Jennifer,
Thinking of you and your families. Your Dad was great for keeping in touch. It's probably been 20 years since I've actually seen him, and longer since I've seen you both, but he always sent holiday cards and kept us up to date. I talked to him on the phone a few years ago when he was flying from TN to NH, but it didn't work out to connect with him. May you find comfort for the days ahead.
April 21, 2011
Jimmy and Jennifer, we share in your loss greatly. We have so many wonderful memories from when your family lived in VA, and we saw each other often. EVERYBODY loved your dad! He was "contagious" because of his sense of humor and his sensitivity. We can think of some stories that still make us laugh! We hadn't seen Jim for quite a while, but heard things about him from others. Sorry we didn't spend time with him as we all grew older. Just know we care, and and love you both.
Sincerely and with love,
Billy and Anita Thomas
FRANK SKIVOLOCKE
April 21, 2011
VAL AND FAMILY,
THOUGH OUR TIME SPENT WITH JIMMY AND YOU NOW SEEMS SO SHORT WE FEEL THAT YOU ARE FAMILY. WE'VE SHARED SO MANY GOOD TIMES, NOW WE HAVE TO MOURN THE LOSS TOGETHER. JIMMY WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND THE FAMILY.
FRANK AND ARLIS SKIVOLOCKE REXFORD, MT
Dawn Peterson
April 21, 2011
In this dance of life, we are measured and weighed before God by greatness left in our wake. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said it best, “The heights by men reached and kept are not attained by sudden flight, but while their companions slept, they toiled upward in the night.”
Most people, intent upon their own self-absorption, flit in an out of our lives, barely leaving a ripple within our minds or upon our souls. James Charles Evans was not such a shallow man.
Jim left a special grace dispensed with good humor and an uncanny ability for compassion. He wore his love on his sleeve, always ready to share—always ready to go the extra mile.
Greatness. Dedication. Courage. Compassion. James Charles Evans was called to continue God’s mission in ways he could not accomplish here on earth. Those of us left mourn our loss.
Margie Strand
April 21, 2011
Words can not express my sorrow for the loss of Jim in your life and everyone else's as he was such a wonderful, caring person on top of smart and great personality to keep everyone involved. Please let me know if thereis anything I can do. Margie
Dina (Tina) Bittner
April 20, 2011
Val,
Hope this gives you comfort as you begin a new journey in life.
"I am less because he is no more.
But I am more because he was part
of my life"
Joe Shriber
April 20, 2011
Dear Val and Family,
I knew Jim from the Black Sheep in the early '70s and flew with him or in his flight often and enjoyed his camaraderie and fellowship. A great warrior, friend, patriot, and leader. We will miss him.
God Speed.
Col Joe Shriber
April 20, 2011
Jimmy and Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when you all lived in Yorktown,Va. Vernon kept up with him and visited some until 2005 when he died at 64 quite suddenly (blood clot). We have so many superdicious memories of your father...including his love to eat all the cookies! And, I remember how much he loved his children!
Our best wishes to you at this time...
Love,
Vernon and Sharon Batson
April 20, 2011
So very sorry for your loss, Jennifer and Jimmy. We haven't keep in touch with you, but have continued to do so with your Dad. We have fond memories of our earlier years as friends when you both were growing up around our children, Chris and Amy.
Deepest Sympathy,
Bobby & Sharon Caldwell
April 20, 2011
To Jim's family,
Please accept my sincerest sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. Though I didn't know Jim well my mother Myrle Dodge spoke of him often and shared special memories she had of him. She has some nice pictures of Jim and Val taken at her condo in Mukilteo when you visited her. My sister Betty worked with Him at the U OF W and thought highly of him as well. Jim will be missed.
john Mood
April 20, 2011
As a fellow classmate in Pilot training, I have fond memories of big Jim. Unfortunately, our paths never again crossed after our graduation in 1968, but he was one who I remembered often. He has taken the final flight.
Major John Mood, USAF, Ret.
Grover Rawlings
April 20, 2011
Dear Val and Family:
I got the news of Jim's passing from Don and Caroll. I'm out on a trip for NetJets, still working to get a daughter through nursing school.
Though it's been a tremendously long time, I still have the fondest recollections of knowing Jim. On behalf of my family and myself, please accept our sincerest condolences.
Grover L. (Skip) Rawlings, Jr.
Maria Mercedes Rawlings
Vanessa Marie Rawlings
[email protected]
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