Jim was born to Milton and Margaret Evans in 1939. Each parent was an alumnus of Ohio State University. His father received a Veterinary degree and his mother received a degree in Nursing. The chance to work at a large animal hospital pulled Milton and Margaret to Honolulu, Hawaii. While living there, Milton and Margaret had their first two sons. Jim was born Dec 2, 1939 and brother Dick was born in 1940. Early in 1941 the family moved to Lynwood, CA where early in 1942 brother Roscoe was born in nearby Southgate. Soon after WWII began, Milton enlisted in the Army. The family moved into Officer housing on the Army Presidio Base in San Francisco late in 1942. By 1946 his father's active tour of duty was over and the family moved to what would be a permanent residence in Long Beach, CA where sister Barbara was born in 1948. In 1956 tragedy struck the family when Milton died at an early age of 41yrs. Jim was 16yrs old. Margaret renewed her Nursing license and started work at the L.B. Community Hospital. All Jim's formative years through High School were in Long Beach. After graduation from Wilson H.S. in 1958 Jim attended L.B. City College, but soon dropped out. Jim enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1960. Jim was always very active and owned and rode motorcycles and participated in dirt racing. He worked two years at a local motorcycle shop until 1960. Jim worked at the Commercial Truck Bodies Company until he fractured his leg in a motorcycle accident while racing in 1961. That fracture seemed to be the bane of Jim's existence throughout his later years. Jim worked at Aero-Jet General until 1964. He worked at the Long Beach Community Hospital as an Xray assistant until 1966. It was late in 1966 that Jim decided to relocate to the Mohave Desert area. He started work for various contractors at George AFB until 1978. He was layed off and then started work with the County Road Maintenance Dept for San Bernardino County. Jim retired from the County in 1999. Jim bought property in the unincorporated area of Apple Valley and has lived on his property on Chickawill since 1985. Jim lost his home and all his belongings in the fire storm of 1999. He rebuilt on the same acreage. Jim has been a long time member of the Hesperia Community Church. He volunteered much of his time helping around the grounds at the church. Jim loved everything about the beauty of the High Desert. On the cover of the memorial folder distributed at his memorial service is a sunset photo taken by his niece Debbie from the front porch of his home. He was fortunate to have such a view of his beloved Desert. Jim was a very giving man who seemed to be at his best in the background. He was loved and will be greatly missed by all the family and many friends who know he now rests in peace.

Above information entered by brother Roscoe L.


Evans, James Milton. Age 70. Born in Honolulu, HI Dec. 2, 1939. Passed away Nov. 2, 2010 in Apple Valley, CA.

Jim was a long time resident of the High Desert area since graduation from Wilson H.S. in Long Beach, CA in 1958. Jim retired in 1999 after working many years for the County of San Barnardino. He was a devoted Christian and volunteered much of his time helping at the Hesperia Community Church.

He is survived by brothers Richard K. and Roscoe L., sister Barbara J. Evans, niece Deborah J. (Will) Gutierrez, nephew Brian R. (Cheryl) Evans, grandnephews Brandon R. Evans, Adam A. and Jason A. Gutierrez, grandnieces Ashley D. and Alexis C. Evans.

Graveside was held Friday at Lucerne Valley Memorial Park at 11:30. Memorial services will be held today at 12:00 noon at Hesperia Community Church at 16775 Olive, Hesperia, Ca 92345. Victor Valley Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Published in the Daily Press on November 20, 2010