James M Evans Jr.

James M. Evans, Jr., age 95, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Jim served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving on the Pacific Front. He was part of the Construction Battalion and could not wait to serve his country. He always loved boxing and was able to continue boxing during his service in the Navy. He remembered well the time he stepped into the ring with Sugar Ray Robison and managed to go the distance – 3 rounds. After Naval service and marriage to the love of his life, Lazell Mooney, he worked for United Gas Pipeline, first in Pearl, MS, continuing with United Gas after a transfer to Olla, Louisiana. During this time, Jim and Lazell had two daughters and a son. After a period, Jim worked as a plumber and pipefitter, traveling the nation in an RV, taking his wife with him. They enjoyed touring the country together as he earned a living.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Lazell Evans, father, James M. Evans, Sr., mother Mary Gooch Evans, a sister, Jean Rosamond, and brother, Donald R. Evans. He leaves surviving family including Linda Moree and spouse Mike, Vickie Bourque and spouse Greg, James A. Evans and spouse Brenda. He is also survived by six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim loved God, family, church and music. He served as a deacon at his local church for 58 years, having served at Briar Hill Baptist Church in Florence, MS since 1988. He loved sharing Christ with everyone he encountered, teaching Sunday School, and singing in the choir. He wrote a few songs which he humbly sang during worship services at Briar Hill Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Briar Hill Baptist Church for support of missions.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, October 14, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Briar Hill Baptist Church, 707 MS-469, Florence, MS, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM. James will be laid to rest in Briar Hill Cemetery, Florence, MS.