JAMES EVANS Obituary

JAMES MATTHEW EVANS
Retired Landscape Architect of the United States Capitol, died on the morning of November 20, 2017, in Chambersburg, PA. He was a man of many facets. Two qualities Matthew admired most in others were gentleness and resourcefulness, both of which he possessed in abundance. Matthew was a friend to all. His favorite passage from the King James Bible was "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." He had many friends from his private life and his work, whom he loved dearly. Matthew especially admired his maternal grandfather who inspired his pursuit of a career in landscape architecture. Prior to his tenure with the United States Capitol, Matthew spent many years in private practice. He designed gardens for clients throughout the country. Although Matthew was a complex person, he appreciated the simple things of life such as conversations with friends, a good meal shared, singing big band era tunes, books, painting, gardens, playing tennis and chess. He was proud to be a member of the Cosmos Club and a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Matthew loved the visual and performing arts. He loved traveling and was fluent in Spanish, which he learned from his many years spent in Miami and Puerto Rico. Matthew was a lifelong learner and adventurer. We hope and pray that his adventures continue. Matthew will be lovingly remembered by his wife of thirty-three years, Ruth Ann, and by his two daughters from his first marriage of whom he was very proud, Kathy Evans (Michael Gniadek) and Heidi Christensen (Ray). He will also be missed by his faithful little dog, Billy. We ask that any tribute that you may wish to make in Matthew's honor be in the form of a donation to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202 (1-800-342-2383), or to your favorite humane association. A memorial gathering will be held at the Cosmos Club, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, on Monday, December 11, 2017, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share condolences, please visitwww.KelsoCorneliusFH.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES EVANS

11 Entries

CHARLES B SEDMAN

November 5, 2021

His classmates at Chattanooga Central High remembered him as Cliff Suddarth. Long before he legally changed his name to honor his step-grandfather, his classmates saw the same qualities that he exhibited in his later journeys. It took a long time for the news to filter down to his hometown, but we were similarly honored to know Cliff/Matthew as he became the person described in his obituary. We have just posted his story on the Facebook page -Chattanooga Central Connection - not only for his old friends and classmates, but to inspire our younger alumnus to excel and leave many memories as Cliff/Matthew has done.

Brenda and Luis Parada

December 1, 2019

We cannot believe it has been 2 years since Matthew left us.
We continue to miss him dearly. He was such a generous and caring friend.
One seldom finds a friend such as Matthew and we are so very grateful and blessed to have known him and shared many memories with him.
It was an honor to have been his friend.

Charles "Buck" Burton

December 27, 2017

Ruth, Sorry I was unable to attend Matthew's memorial service at the Cosmos Club. I was sad to hear of his passing. I worked closely with Matthew on a day to day basis for years at the US Capitol. Mathew was a spontaneous, enthusiastic and generous individual. His positive demeanor, sense of humor and easy smile won him many friends. He was well liked. I remember hearing that he was occasionally mistaken for a senator as he walked the grounds and buildings. Matthew related easily to all individuals regardless of their job or position. He tried to reach out to everyone and understand them, not judge them. Matthew's forte was as a gifted diplomat. He wanted for everyone to feel satisfied and happy. Matthew had a good feel for design and for the total overview of any project. He always had a broad vision and enjoyed dealing with any challenge. Matthew was a true gentleman, a genuine and gentle soul. I never heard him complain or express bitterness; he made the best of every situation, facing and overcoming adversity with a positive and easy demeanor. Matthew always loved a good story and a good song. He is the only boss I know of who passed out individual gifts at Christmas. Ruth, I hope you and the girls maintain and cherish many fond and inspiring memories of Matthew. He was a special individual.

December 19, 2017

Cousin Michael, Kathy and Ruth Ann, I offer my deepest condolences for the loss of Matthew.

Linda Gniadek

December 13, 2017

Ruth Ann,Kathy & Mike..I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how much you all loved Matthew, and thru the years I've learned how many lives he had touched. We now have another Angel watching over us in Heaven for Christmas and forever.... Xoxo

Angela Clark

December 13, 2017

I met Matthew soon after arriving on The Hill and I've had the pleasure of walking across campus with him as he shared stories about each tree that we passed. It was an experience to see his face light up as he was talking and it was very evident that he loved his job. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know him. My sincerest condolences to the family.

Brenda and Luis Parada

December 12, 2017

Matthew - We will miss you very much.

Our wonderful visit with Matthew and Ruth Ann in January of 2015

Brenda and Luis Parada

December 12, 2017

Matthew was a joy to be with. He always found time to enjoy the company of his friends and he was such a genuine friend indeed. Matthew truly care about everyone and met no stranger. He loved life and all that the world had to offer. I never saw Matthew angry or upset. He often would lift my spirits when I needed them the most. How he knew when that was I will never know, but he had that gift of listening with his heart. I will miss him very, very much. An angel has returned to heaven. We need more people like him down here. I wish his Ruth Ann and the girls the strength to look ahead and remember how Matthew would want them to continue to appreciate and love everything in life. Our love goes out to you.

Keith Thurston, The Village Society

December 11, 2017

I wish I could attend the memorial. Matthew was an amazing person. Whenever we look at the beautiful grounds of the Capitol building we can think of him - and in Falls Church, he was key in establishing a streetscape of tree lined trees that everyone notices. He always found to the time to collaborate. Our condolences to the family. He will be missed by many.

Mike Gniadek

December 10, 2017

Matthew was a kind, loving, determined and brilliant person who shall be missed by all whose lives he touched. We who knew him are there so fortunate to have had the honor and privilege of doing so; I count myself among those fortunate. I love you Matthew, thank you for being you. For now and evermore Matthew belongs to the ages.

Melissa Prophet

December 5, 2017

Your were a fabulous friend and mentor and God Bless You and your family. You are greatly missed!

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