James "Jim" W. Evans' Obituary
EVANS, James "Jim" W., age 83, of Centerville, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Jim graduated from Wellston High School in Wellston, Ohio, and continued his education by earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Ohio University. He worked in management for General Motors, serving the company for 50 years. With deep faith in God, Jim was a member of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Waynesville.
Family-oriented, friendly, happy, caring, fun-loving, and eternally upbeat and optimistic, Jim was protective and always concerned for the well-being of his family and friends. He loved sports, especially football, which he began playing during his high school years. He became an All-American linebacker for the Wellston Golden Rockets during his high school career. During his college years at Ohio University, he played a pivotal role on the defense as a linebacker, a leadership position that contributed significantly to his team's championship win, for which he was always immensely proud. Following his college years, he played football for seven additional years for the semi-pro team, Dayton Triangles. His love of football continued throughout his entire life, as he was a big fan of both the Bengals and the Buckeyes. Secretly, and humorously to the dismay of his immediate family, he even rooted for the Cleveland Browns when they were winning and his beloved Bengals were not doing very well. Well-rounded, he played in the marching band during high school, which meant that he quickly replaced his helmet and pads for his band uniform and trombone to play during halftime of the games. Jim was always proud when his grandson, Seth, took up the trombone to play in his high school marching band.
Always adventurous, Jim loved to travel and visit new places with his family. Some of his favorite destinations included trips to Las Vegas, Mexico, Gatlinburg, several Caribbean cruises, and one big two-week family trip to Hawaii following his retirement. In addition, he planned many road trips throughout the continental United States, usually stopping at Cracker Barrel at the first opportunity, which became a tradition. While his daughter was growing up, it also became a tradition to visit Disney World in Florida every year. He was always frugal, so he often booked inexpensive hotels. However, he knew the ins and outs of Disney so well that he frequently worked out deals to upgrade them to official Disney properties during the trip. Ultimately, the family discovered the secrets to maximizing their Disney trips, which led to a lifetime of fond memories and a tradition that continues today with Jenny and her family. Among many things, Jim will be remembered for his big smile, blue eyes, and his love of eating good food, except fruit cake, which he was humorously not shy about sharing his disdain for. Always easy-going and caring, he always had a little dog to care for, which resulted in several loving Shih Tzu companions throughout his life. Currently, his little Yorkie, Chubby, won him over and became one of his favorite, trusted furry friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Freda Sue, in 2015; his parents, Kermit and Marie Evans; four brothers, Sonny, Dean, Jack, and Kermit Evans; and two sisters, Anna Marie Kimbel and Sandra Evans. He is survived by his daughter, Jenny (Ronnie) Dixon; four sons, Steve (Lisa) Evans, James "Jay" Evans, Chris (Holly) Evans, and Keith (Laurie) Harrah; ten grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 1 PM on Thursday, July 3, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 1 PM on Thursday at the funeral home. Rev. Tim Noble will be officiating the services. Burial will be in Miami Valley Memory Gardens. If desired, contributions may be made to Day City Hospice. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?