James Evans

James Dean Evans, 49, passed away in his sleep at home in Windsor, CO on Sunday, April 17, 2022. James was born to parents Judith Mary (Evans) Anzo and James Pete Anzo in August 1972 in Cleveland, Ohio, where he resided until moving to Northern Colorado in 2005.

James attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School, earned his GED, and then obtained an Associate's Degree at Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts. Before managing the kitchen at the Omni hotel in Cleveland, James also worked in and managed high-paced machine shops and tinkered with auto repair. His true pride and joy, however, was creating and cultivating the menu, bar, and wine selection for the speakeasy tavern in Fort Collins owned by him and his wife.

James met his wife, Shelley, online playing cards in 2003 and they married in 2008 after relocating West with their menagerie of beloved pets, in order to be closer to Shelley's family. Together they enjoyed road trips - particularly to visit family out East, to play cards in Las Vegas or to taste wine in and around Cambria, CA.

James will be remembered for treating everyone like family, having a big heart, and his love for animals. His own family was the most important thing to James, and several members also relocated to Colorado from Cleveland to be near him. James' love for those close to him knew no bounds. He was proud of his Italian heritage and his Cleveland roots, and enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia and rare coins. He touched the lives of many with his passion and big personality.

James is survived by his wife Shelley and older siblings Mary, Debbie, and Anthony. He was a loving uncle to Judi, James, Justin, Anthony Jr., Britney, Dominic, Madison, Violet and Harper, and a deeply caring great uncle to Abbey, Allison, Scott Jr., Alyssa, Sky, Kora, Braylon and Noah

Services are to be held at Allnutt Funeral in Greeley, CO on Wednesday, April 27: Viewing 1:30 to 3:30pm, Rosary Benediction 3:30 - 4pm. Celebration of James' life to be held at Lirano Wine Bar in Fort Collins starting around 6pm.