James Elton Evans

James “Jim” Evans, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at home on August 29, 2021. He was truly a renaissance man…a successful engineer, a talented painter, a world traveler and a generous soul with a heart for those less fortunate. Jim was born on January 16, 1936 in Santa Anna, Texas to Samuel Elton Evans and Violet Stovall. The family moved to Brownwood, Texas in the late 30s. There, Jim met his high school sweetheart and future bride, Catherine Nelson, and they both graduated from Brownwood High School in 1954. Jim followed Catherine to Texas Tech (with a detour to TAMU and LSU his freshman and sophomore years). He graduated from Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The couple married in1958 and moved to Fort Worth, ultimately settling in Arlington. He began working at General Dynamics (now Lockheed) and at the same time earned a Masters in Aerospace Engineering from SMU. Jim worked in the aerospace industry for over 40 years and when he retired was considered one of the preeminent experts in the country on aircraft carrier suitability. Upon retirement Jim was able to focus on his longtime passion, watercolor painting. He became an accomplished artist and had many pieces accepted at art competitions. He also taught watercolor classes at The Upstairs Gallery and he was an art docent for students at AISD elementary schools. Jim's other passion was travel, beginning with car trips across the county with the kids. After becoming empty nesters, Jim and Catherine traveled extensively internationally with a favorite and regular destination being San Miguel de Allende. He always enjoyed connecting with locals and fellow travelers and frequently came home with a new friend or two. Jim always had a camera in hand and many of those photos are now beautiful paintings that line the walls of their home. Jim loved music, from pop to opera to Broadway, and he was an avid theatergoer. He taught himself to speak German and was eager to practice on fellow travelers abroad. He was extremely handy and always had a project to which he could lend his prodigious engineering talents. At his core, Jim was a good man, honest, kind and caring. Most importantly he believed that those who were not afforded the same opportunities as he, deserved a helping hand. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Catherine; daughter Tracey Petersen (husband, Greg); son Walter Evans (wife, Susan) and sisters Suzette Mabry (husband, Bob) and Shaye Evans. He was a funny and loving Daddy Jim to his four grandchildren Molly and Kayley Petersen, and Grace and Sam Evans. He will be deeply missed. Memorial Service: 3 p.m. Friday, September 3, at Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts or the charity of your choice. There is no better way to honor Jim than by reaching out to help others. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233