Photo courtesy of Hodges Family Funeral Home - Dade City
Zephyrhills, Florida
Oct 25, 1925 – Jan 16, 2019 (Age 93)
James Emmett Evans, Jr., 93, died peacefully at his home in Dade City, FL on January 16, 2019. He was born in Auburndale, Florida, on October 25, 1925. He attended the University of Florida for a semester before entering the United States Army and fought in World War II. He served as a tail gunner and was a proud recipient of The Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Mr. Evans was the long-time Chairman of the Board of Evans Properties, Inc., a family citrus and agricultural business.
He split his time between Dade City and Tampa, FL, and summers in Highlands, NC.
He loved beginning his mornings with his daily workout and then riding around his ranch and citrus groves. In the afternoons, he enjoyed playing gin rummy at one of his beloved country clubs with his many friends.
Mr. Evans was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dade City and the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Highlands. Mr. Evans is survived by his son, James Emmett Evans III (Margaret Anne Evans) daughters, Reppard Evans Weaver (James McLendon Weaver) and Harriett Burdick Evans Gaddy (Stephen Charles Gaddy).
He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: James McLendon Weaver, Jr., Thomas Evans Weaver, Sarah Anne Evans, Stephen Charles Gaddy, Jr., Harry Reppard Gaddy, Julia Burdick Gaddy and Kimberly Hannah Trammell (Allen Raymond Trammell). He is preceded in death by his wife, Harriett Reppard Evans and sister, Margaret Evans Lowry.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm on January 21, 2019, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Dade City, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Mary Lee’s House, 2806 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL, 3607 (813-250-6650)
Maryleeshouse.org. or to TGen Foundation, 445 N. Fifth St., Phoenix, AZ. 85004,
[email protected], 1-866-370-8436 for pancreatic cancer research.
Missing you and harriett. So many great memories of our lives and families in dade city. With fondness, Linda courier
Linda Courier
January 12, 2021 | Tampa, FL | Friend
He is such a big part of the memories of my life. I sure do miss seeing him, and harriett, too. So many good times.
Linda Courier seegers
January 12, 2020 | Tampa, FL | Friend
Dear Emmett, Reppard and Harriett Burdick,
I was so saddened to hear of your dad's passing and that I did not know about it. I would not have missed his service. He meant a great deal to me and the memories of times with with him and your mom are forever with me. They were both unique and special. Audra, Jim and Kris send their sympathy as do I. Your parents left a great legacy for you and your families. With Love, Linda Courier Seegers
Linda Courier Seegers
February 04, 2019 | Tampa, FL
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Evans. Cherish the fond memories you shared together. Matthew 5:4
January 24, 2019
My condolences to the Evans family. Both of my parents, Vernon Croft and Carter Marie Croft worked for Mr. Evans. My son Tony Martin and my daughter Gail Martin Fisher were friends with Harriet and Ruppard.
Marie Croft Cavins
January 22, 2019 | Zephyrhills, FL | Acquaintance
My condolences to the family of Mr. Evans. He was born in Auburndale, FL during the time my maternal grandfather was the town's first doctor - Dr. Thomas G. Simmons. My grandfather delivered most of the babies including my mother and 2 aunts. My grandparents bought the estate on Lake Ariana from the Evans family sometime in the late 1930's or early 40's and we always cherished it until my grandmother passed. My relatives on my dad's side were J.H."Sonny" and Lucille Tiner of Haines City, FL...
Dione DeBarry
January 21, 2019 | Tampa, FL
My sincerest condolences to the Evans Family for the loss of your loved one, James Emmett, and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.
JKH/JW
January 21, 2019
My heart goes out to the family. Mr. Jimmy was a great person, just like his father Mr. Emmett.
I enjoyed working with both of them and Mr. Reppard in the 70's. Rest In Piece Mr. Jimmy.
Cindy James
January 21, 2019 | Dade City, FL
Those who pass on God keep in his memory because he cares for them sorry for your loss
January 21, 2019