Age 95 of Kalamazoo passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. James was born December 26, 1929, in Clark County, Ohio, the son of Ira and Glenna (Lorton) Evans. James was an Army veteran serving in the Airborne Division during the Korean War. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and a master’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He worked as a teacher and school principal before joining Scott Foresman where he worked for 33 years in educational book sales. James was a member of the American Legion Post #26 and the Phi Delta fraternity.

In March 1954, he married Loretta Faye Flannery, who he leaves behind as well as his children, Melanie Williams (Joe), Maria Evans (Mick LeTourneaux), Mark Evans, and Molly Kinnison (Tom). James enjoyed spending time with his many grand and great grandchildren and was always on hand to lend advice, support or a good joke. As a father, he kept himself fit and would often join a pick-up baseball game during summer recreation camp at Parkwood Elementary where he would often hit one ‘out of the park.’ James had a deep sense of order and despised litter and unkept grounds, so he volunteered often at Milwood Little league and kept the playground at Parkwood Elementary clean and swept later in life. An avid reader, he enjoyed books on history, good novels and read many newspapers and magazines to keep on top of current events, which he would often bring up for discussion with neighbors, his family or a fellow shopper at Meijer.

James lost his father and sister while still a child and later would lose his stepfather, mother, and five siblings. His family was very important to him, and most holidays and summer vacations were spent traveling back to Ohio for visits and helping out where he could. He was also the champion of the summer family road trip and would pick a destination, be it Pikes Peak, Nova Scotia, the Everglades or the Upper Peninsula, and everyone piled into the station wagon; pets included and set out. James was an intelligent and dedicated individual, a good father and husband and will be missed by his entire family and many neighbors who would engage him in conversation during his evening walks.