James Evans

James R. Evans

August 20, 1931 - August 4, 2023

James R. "Bill" Evans, a native of Saraland, AL and longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, stepped into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on August 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Ray Conrad and Hattie Mae Evans; his sisters Eva Mae Driver (Morgan); Bobby Nell "Boots" Kordie (Marco) and by his brothers Don B. Evans, Wayne Evans, and William Conrad "Sonny" Evans. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Jean Matthews Evans, his daughter Sheila Evans Sabinash (Tom); his son Gary J. Evans (Ashley); sisters Erie Marks, Ouida Thomas (Charles), Virginia Ross, and Rita Harrison; sisters-in-law Delores Evans and Lois Evans; brother-in-law Morgan Driver; several granddaughters, nieces and nephews.

He served in the Korean War as a United States Marine. Upon his return from military service, he worked at Brookley AFB, Mobile, AL, before being employed by Teledyne Continental Motors in Mobile, retiring after 47 years. He was recognized for his work there for his support on the Voyager Project. The Rutan Voyager was the first aircraft to fly around the world without stopping or refueling. He was interested in everything about aircraft, and in early years helped repair and restore airplanes, including restoring the Float Plane from the Battleship U.S.S. Alabama. At one time, he was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Bill had a witty since of humor, a servant's heart, and could repair anything. When not tinkering on several projects, his favorite thing was traveling with his wife and family out West. He also loved riding his motorcycle and was part of the Mobile Chapter of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. Favorite things he enjoyed was cake and chocolate milkshakes.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at St. Dominic Catholic Church with visitation from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral mass. Interment will follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and/or monetary condolences, the family requests donations be made St. Dominic Catholic Church or the American Parkinson Disease Association.