The family will receive friends at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Columbus on December 31, at 1:00 PM followed by the funeral at 2:00. A graveside service will immediately follow at Parkhill Cemetery.
James was born in Cusseta, GA. on April 11, 1926, to the late John Robert and Ruby Lucille Evans. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Columbus, Georgia. He attended Tillinghurst School through the 7th grade and left school in order to help his father support their family. During his teen years, he worked numerous jobs in downtown Columbus.
After serving in the Army, he began working as a mechanic at Tom Houston Peanut Company in Columbus in 1944. There he met Lillian McMullen, who he said was the prettiest woman working at Tom's. They dated for several years and were married on May 10, 1947, in Phenix City, Alabama. At Lillian's passing on February 17, 2021, they had been married 73 years.
After leaving Tom's, he worked 9 years for Armour Fertilizer Company. Realizing he needed more income to support his family, he became a small business owner of a service station, a used car lot and a mobile sign company. After retiring, he worked 13 years as a bailiff for the Columbus Consolidated Government, while wholesaling used cars in his spare time.
He is survived by his three daughters, Lynn Park (Tim), Mansfield, GA, Robin Merkel (Jim), Parkton, NC, and Jill Dodelin (Richard), Fortson, GA. He was blessed with eight grandchildren: Jessica, Seth and Claire Park, Lauren, Isaac and Zachary Merkel, Hannah Gillis and Will Dodelin. He also had 12 great grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Pawelski, a sister in law, Pat Evans and numerous nieces and nephews. He enjoyed a special relationship with his nephew, Kyle Evans, who previously worked for him. Lastly, Marielle Kingsley was a devoted caregiver and friend.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Animal Ark, 2509 Manchester Expressway, Columbus, GA 31904 or at www.animalarkrescue.com.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Evans family.
