James Leonard Evans is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. He lived his life in service and dedication to his family and fellow man. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Jim was born on November 24,1946 in Pueblo, Colorado to his parents, Charles Leslie Evans and Clarabelle Zetta Hammond. He was the youngest of 4 boys and had an adventurous childhood growing up in Rocky Ford, Colorado. He loved to tell stories of how he and his brothers spent their time taking care of the animals, hunting, fishing, camping and causing general mayhem. He met the love of his life, Carolyn Joyce Allen, in grade school and they were in each other’s life ever since.
After graduating from Rocky Ford High School, Jim left his hometown to attend the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. After a couple years of somewhat long- distance dating, Jim and his sweetheart Carolyn were married on September 10,1966 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Jim graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering in 1968.
The couple then moved around a bit for military service, a master’s degree, and jobs. Jim served as a captain in the United States Army Corps of Engineers and deployed to Korea soon after the Korean war, helping rebuild bridges and other infrastructure. Jim also received his master’s degree in Geology. They lived for a short time in Alexandria, VA, Golden, CO, and Midland, TX before settling in Tulsa, OK. While living in Virginia, Jim and Carloyn joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and were later sealed on June 5, 1973 in Manti, UT. Jim worked in oil and gas exploration as a petroleum geologist and for the most part loved his career. And, yes, he has a pretty impressive rock collection! Throughout their marriage they also lived in Enid, OK and Fort Collins, CO before spending the last few years in Spanish Fork, UT to be closer to their children.
When Jim carved out some free time, he enjoyed fly fishing, camping, gardening, wood crafts, bird watching, researching church history, and reading, all while finding time to visit and support his kids and grandchildren. He served in many callings in the LDS church, as Bishop, in the Stake Presidency, as a baptistry worker in the Fort Collins, CO temple, and as a seminary teacher. If you asked him, though, his favorite calling would always be that of a primary teacher. He loved to teach and would happily give a talk or a lesson anytime he was asked.
Jim and Carolyn have 4 children, Lisa Evans, Amanda Hammond, Russell Evans, and Jessica Coombs, and 16 grandchildren. Their children and spouses, and grandkids and spouses, as well as his brothers Keith and Leland, all mourn the loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother but are grateful for the joyous reunion he is
having with his parents, Charles and Clarabelle, and his brother Stanley.
The family invites friends and loved ones to a public viewing on Monday, May 19, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1661 South 1400 East in Spanish Fork, Utah from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Funeral services will be private, reserved for immediate family.
1 Condolence for James Leonard Evans
Condolence(1)
Keith Rasmussen says
May 17, 2025 at 1:29 amI worked with Jim at Ward Petroleum in Enid for several years. He was one of most positive people I have ever met. He set a great example of a loving husband and father. His life also reflected a sincere dedication to God and his fellow man. I am grateful for the privilege of knowing him.