Jim Evans

Robert James Evans

Please join us to celebrate the life of Robert James Evans, affectionately known as Jim, Dad, Papa, or Pops. He peacefully passed away on February 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on June 22, 1948, at Muskogee General Hospital to Nadine Ruth Connor and Roland Benton Evans. He grew up in Muskogee and the surrounding areas and fondly remembered his time on the farm in Wainwright, Oklahoma, with his grandmother, Ruth Connor, as some of the best memories of his childhood.

Jim graduated from Muskogee High School in 1967 and attended Connors State College for two years. In February of 1969, he met the love of his life, Roberta (Bertie) Lavern Phillips. They quickly fell in love and eloped on December 23, 1970-just three days after Bertie turned 18. They settled in Muskogee, where they welcomed their first son, Paul James, in 1974.

In 1975, the family moved to Tulsa, where Jim began working for Tamko Roofing. Their family grew again in 1977 with the arrival of their daughter, Gretta Malinda. In 1979, they moved to Glenpool, Oklahoma, where they built a new home. Their family was completed in 1981 with the birth of their second son, Robert Calvin, lovingly known as Robbie.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jim and Bertie stayed busy supporting their children in sports and school activities. In the summer of 1990, Bertie accepted a new position, which moved the family to Yale, Oklahoma.

In 1996, Jim started his own trucking business, Triple E Hauling, working as a hotshot driver. He logged countless miles until retiring in 2001. Never one to sit still for long, he later began transporting students and proudly drove a bus for his favorite college team, Oklahoma State University-Go Pokes!-until retiring for good in 2006. In 2012, Jim and Bertie left city life behind and moved to their quiet country home between Silver City and Oilton, Oklahoma.

Jim loved fishing, playing poker, and spending time with family playing games-especially when he could beat Bertie at dominoes. He greatly enjoyed spy movies like James Bond, sci-fi classics like Star Trek, and never missed an episode of NCIS.

Jim's stoic personality and quiet nature made him a deeply lovable and respected man.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bertie Evans; son Paul and wife Erin Evans of Oilton; daughter Gretta and husband John Frick of Tulsa; and son Robbie and wife Kristy Evans of Cushing. His grandchildren include Hannah and James Poulter of Oilton; Meghan and Raegan Evans of Mannford; Josie Evans of Chandler; Logan Frick of Broken Arrow; Shane Frick of Broken Arrow; and Luke Evans of Cushing. He is also survived by bonus grandchildren Lacie Alford of Yale and bonus great-grandchild Grayson Peelman of Jennings. Additional survivors include in-laws Beverly Smith of Muskogee; Julane Phillips of Broken Arrow; Larry Howard of Bixby; Orlin and Cathy Phillips of Muskogee; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Nadine and Roland Evans; his in-laws Fred and Doris Phillips, Eva Howard, Albert Phillips, Carolyn Ward, Eugene Smith; and his nephew, Randy Hall.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Oilton, Oklahoma, with Nathan Painter officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home.

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