Evan Raymond Jaqua

Evan Raymond Jaqua, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on April 19, 2025, after a life filled with laughter, music, love, and the warmth of family.
Born in Eugene, Oregon, on June 1, 1948, Evan was the eldest of six children of William and Mary Jaqua. He grew up in Walnut Grove, California, where he fondly recalled singing with the Accalantes Glee Club. The family later moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where Evan attended Boys' Latin School. He thrived there-excelling in athletics and serving as editor of the yearbook.
During his junior year of high school, when his family relocated to Norman, Oklahoma, Evan chose to remain in Baltimore with family friends to finish school. Though he only spent summers in Oklahoma, he proudly considered himself a Sooner for life.
Evan attended Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he held the school record in the hurdles for many years and lettered in several sports. He later earned two master's degrees and worked in the college's admissions department. It was there that he met Sue Duncan, whom he married on January 8, 1977. Together, they raised their daughter Julie and Sue's sons, Scott and Jeff. Evan was a devoted father-leading Boy Scout troops and Sunday School classes with great enthusiasm.
Evan began his career in education but found his stride in sales, where his natural ability to connect with people led to lasting success. Later, he and Sue purchased Bellissima Italia, a pasta company in Beaverton, Oregon, which they ran together for ten years before selling it to Reser's Fine Foods. At Reser's, Evan worked closely with his mentor and friend, Al Reser, and took pride in helping expand the company's tortilla division. The friendships he formed during this time remained some of the most meaningful of his life-many of those colleagues became like family.
Evan and Al first connected through the Rotary Club, where Evan lived out his belief in service above self. He participated actively for many years, giving back to the community and building enduring friendships.
A lifelong lover of music and theater, Evan cherished performing at Carnegie Hall with his brother John under the direction of choral legend Robert Shaw. He delighted in talking about theatre and music-whether "dancing" the soft shoe as Barnaby in Babes in Toyland, seeing Les Misérables for the first time on Broadway, or watching Elton John perform live. Music flowed through everything he did-he had a song for nearly every moment.
In retirement, Evan enjoyed time with Sue-staying in Manzanita, traveling the world (Italy being a particular favorite), and spending time with family. He especially loved visiting Julie and her family while they lived in London, and making trips to Wisconsin to see Jeff and his family. He became a beloved member of the Rockcreek community, where he enjoyed walking the neighborhood and attempting to play golf. He also kept busy gardening, relocating squirrels with questionable success, sketching, telling jokes, learning a few words in many languages, and diving into history. One of his greatest joys was writing and illustrating children's books for his five grandchildren-blending his humor and creativity into stories they'll always remember.
Evan was a deeply proud grandfather and loved nothing more than watching his grandchildren in their many activities. Whether cheering from the stands or listening to their latest stories, he was their biggest fan. Alec impressed him with his dedication to wrestling and his talents in golf, gymnastics, and football. Roland's commitment to hockey always amazed him. Ellie and Hudson brought him joy on the soccer field, and Ellie's musical theater performances held a special place in his heart. Hannah's dancing, comedic flair, and love for theater delighted him as well. These-games, recitals, and shows-were some of Evan's most treasured moments.
When Evan's light shone on you, he made you feel larger than life-seen, heard, and completely at ease. Despite his big personality, he didn't seek the spotlight, choosing to lift others up and make them feel special instead. His warmth, humor, and joy for life were contagious-from his love of sports and games to his endless repertoire of jokes. Evan's presence brightened any room, and he made everyone feel valued.
Evan is survived by his wife and partner of 48 years, Sue; their three children: Scott Jaqua (wife Perry), Jeff Duncan (wife Magalie, and their sons Alec and Roland), and Julie Jaqua Law (husband Kevin, and their children Eliana, Hudson, and Hannah). He is also survived by his brothers John (wife Rene) and Paul (wife Barbara); sister-in-law Jennifer Jaqua; niece Susan Castillo and her family; more than a dozen nieces and nephews; and even more grandnieces and grandnephews. Evan cherished his time with his extended family in Oregon, California, Washington, Texas, and Oklahoma-and could always be counted on to share a story about his nieces, nephews, and their families.
In honor of Evan's memory, donations may be made to the American Stroke Association or CaringBridge. In keeping with Evan's wishes, there will be no memorial service.
Sue sends her love and gratitude to the many friends, family, and beloved neighbors who reached out, lent a hand, supported her, and shared their well wishes. In addition to her children, Sue wishes to thank John and Rene Jaqua, John and Susan Rosenberger, and niece Susan Castillo.
"All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince