James Ely Evans, 83, of Vandalia, Mo., died at 9:10 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Tri-County Care Center.
Services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at Spencer Creek Baptist Church. Pastor Bob Hoehn officiated. Burial was in the Vandalia Cemetery following the service.
Visitation celebrating the life of James (Jim) E. Evans was held from 3 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, at the Spencer Creek Baptist Church.
Jim was born Dec. 12, 1938, in Perry, Mo., the son of James and Dorothy (Griffin) Evans.
He was united in marriage to Myrtle Ann Schremp on May 18, 1956, in Perry, Mo. Ann survives him of the home.
Other survivors include two sons, James Lee Evans of Hannibal, and David A. Evans of Vandalia; two daughters, Belinda Krchelich of Perry, and Debbie Pursifull (Tim) of Vandalia; brother, Donald “Gene” Evans (Donna) of Center; two grandsons, John Krchelich (Kristin) of Clarinda, Iowa, and Bryan Evans (Sarah) of Vandalia; five granddaughters, Mary Easter (Cheston) of Princeton, Rachel Williams (Adam) of Valley Park, Ashley Niemeyer (Ryan) of Lake Saint Louis, Elizabeth Straube (Brandon) of Vandalia, and Emily DeTienne of Saint Louis; 11 great grandchildren, Ty, Dalton, Emma, Ann, Kylee, Stella, Jacob, Emrey, Haven, Luke, and Charlotte. He is also survived by numerous loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
His parents; brother, Bobby Joe Evans; and sister, Loretta Kay Evans, all died earlier.
Jim was a lifetime resident of Ralls County, Mo., graduating from Perry High School Class of 1956. He was married to the love of his life for 65 years, they shared many memories raising their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren on the family’s farm. Jim was a farmer and cattleman by profession. Devoted member of the Spencer Creek Baptist Church. He was involved in many organization’s including Quail Unlimited, Vandalia Fair Board, Vandalia B&P Club, ASCS Board, Liberty Community, 4-H and FFA.
Jim enjoyed everything outdoors, quail and wild game hunting, fishing, and boating. He liked anything to do with flying or being on the water, airplane shows and racing. He loved to spend time with family, having family dinners and cooking fish.
Pallbearers were Bryan Evans, John Krchelich, Cheston Easter, Adam Williams, Ryan Niemeyer, Brandon Straube, Craig Cunningham, and Chris Evans. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Van Strien, Jim Gaw, Daryle Smith, David Gibson and Richard Schremp.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eastern Missouri Family YMCA or the Vandalia Cemetery Association, in care of Waters Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Jim’s memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com.