JAMES EVERS

JAMES EVERS 06/06/1934 - 12/10/2025 James Henry Evers, 91, of North Mankato and formerly of St. James died December 10, 2025, at Benedictine Living Community in St. Peter. A visitation was held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 4 - 7 p.m. at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in the spring with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery in St. James. The family prefers memorials be given to Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato or Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Jim was born June 6, 1934, to Fred and Violet (Johnson) Evers in rural Butterfield. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in the area. In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and served until 1960. On September 6, 1958, Jim married Lila Kettner at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. James. Together, they raised three children. Jim was a lifelong farmer and was also a Pioneer Seed dealer for many years. He was a proud member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He helped build the church and served on many committees throughout the years. Jim also served on the ASCS board and the Watonwan County Fair board. He was a commander of the American Legion in St. James, assisted with honor guard, served on the Yellow Ribbon committee, drove vets in the vet van, and volunteered for the Legion chicken fry. In his free time, Jim enjoyed playing pool at the Band Box, being a part of a 500 card club in which he and friends kept going for over 50 years, collecting Snoopy, glass shoes, and many antiques, and going to and watching sporting events. Jim is survived by his children, Layne (Sara) Evers of St. Peter, Jeff (Tina) Evers of Fremont, N.C., and Julie Evers of Owatonna; grandchildren, Brandon (Jodi) Evers, Michael Evers(special friend, Destiny Pittman), Christian (Abby) Evers, Ashley (Merritt) Rysavy, Kylee (Brian) Caldwell, Paige (Kenneth) Higginbotham, Bailey (Kevin) Williams, and Samantha Jo (special friend, Jackson Roll) Fredin; great-grandchildren, Colten, Ella, Mason, Ethan, Kinley, Mercer, Connor, Aria, Miles, Bennett, Caleb, Baby Girl Rysavy, Jaden, Riley, Halie, Levi, Olivia, Ellie Mae, and Tabor; sister, Betty (Dwight) Kuehl; nephews, Eric (Erin) Kuehl, and Matthew (Sherif Desouky) Kuehl; and nieces, Vanessa Kettner, Lori Kettner, and Emily (Dan) Norland. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Mae; parents, Fred and Violet; parents-in-law, Emil and Clara; brother, George (Beverly) Evers; and nephews, Dale Kettner and Terry Kettner.