Jimmy Dale Evans

August 27, 1954 – January 8, 2021

Austin, Texas, lost a homegrown hero on Friday afternoon, January 8, 2021. Surrounded by his sons, Webb and Troup Evans, Jimmy Dale Evans died peacefully at Seton Williamson Hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest in his sleep on Monday morning.

Evans is survived by his two sons, Webb James Evans and Troup Jacob Evans and their mother Gretchen Webb Evans. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Evans Blank, and his brother, Jay Curtis Evans (and wife Lynn). Jimmy Dale leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends. He is also survived by his dedicated friend, Colby Leigh Cotton.

He is predeceased by his mother, Virginia Knight Evans, his father, J.C. (Jake) Evans, his sister, Joella Evans Waters, and his brother-in-law, Martin Blank.

Building on the legacy and reputation for construction excellence of J. C. Evans Company, established by Jake in 1955 and later expanded under the leadership of brothers Jay and Jimmy, Jimmy and Gretchen formed a new construction company, Jimmy Evans Company, in 1991. Operating for more than 31 years in Austin, San Antonio, and throughout central Texas, Jimmy attributed much of the company’s success to a dedicated staff which he considered to be his extended family. It was a source of great pride for Jimmy that company leadership will continue through his sons, whom he loved dearly. They will carry on his legacy of integrity, success, and vision.

Evans was proud of his involvement with Rodeo Austin, serving on the board for years, culminating in his serving as President in 1991. He eagerly and generously supported children and teens with their youth livestock projects.

Jimmy’s fingerprints are all over central Texas. Alongside his brother Jay, the J. C. Evans Company and later, the Jimmy Evans Company, spent his life into building many of the familiar structures in and around Austin.

Jimmy could be brash, and his language was “colorful;” however, his love of and dedication to Jesus Christ shone through his heart and his hands, through his generosity and compassion. And he was generous beyond imagining. Jimmy supported Meals on Wheels and Community First, and during the raging fires in Bastrop, Jimmy sent equipment and employees to help stop the spread of the devastation. He supported innumerable missions and ministries.

He was proud of his Texas heritage, and this big man with an even bigger heart, displayed the same attitude of Texas Grit, whether in times of bounty or in times of lack. He was a visionary and a change-maker who never accepted defeat. One of his hallmarks was his fierce loyalty to those he loved.

An avid outdoorsman, it was one of Jimmy’s great delights to share his love of hunting and fishing and the outdoors with his family and friends.

A Prayer for Fishermen

I pray that I may live to fish…

Until my dying day.

And when it comes to

my last cast,

I then most humbly pray:

When in the Lord’s

great landing net

And peacefully asleep

That in His mercy I be judged

Big enough to keep.

This larger than life man knew no stranger and is loved by many. His sons, Webb and Troup, invite you to celebrate his life.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 13, from 5 to 8 pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, in Austin, Texas, and a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 14, at 3 PM in the Life Austin Amphitheater on 8901 Highway 71 West, Austin, Texas.