Obituary of James "Jim"/"Jimmy" Evans

December 22, 1967 - August 23, 2023

I am sad to announce my beautiful husband, Jim Evans, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 55 years old, as I held his hand and loved him as hard as I could. 

Jim was born in Toronto in 1967 to John and Jessie Evans and was the first in his family born in Canada. When he was twelve, the family moved to Calgary, and he was raised in NE and SE neighbourhoods, including Rundle, Marlborough, Forest Lawn, and Penbrooke. After graduating from Crescent Heights High School together, Jim and I settled in the neighbourhoods of Cliff Bungalow / Mission. In 1993, Jim and I married, and it was really the best marriage ever. We laughed every day and shared a sarcastic, dark sense of humour. 

In his early life, Jim loved playing drums and loved his band mates like family. He played for many talented bands, including The Plaid Tongued Devils, Lotus Galaxy, Curtain of Habit, Smokin 45s and many more. It was honestly a great time in his life and an amazing way to spend his youth surrounded by friends who knew him as Jim Buick. 

Later in life, racing RC cars became Jim’s passion and gave him much joy during his illness. I will always be thankful to his RC racing buddies and clubs, including everyone from Karz, CarCar, and the drag racing club for the fun times and for giving him something to look forward to during a dark time in his life. You all were so kind to Jim and I will love you forever for it. 

Jim also considered his many co-workers to be close friends. Over the years, he worked for the Ship & Anchor pub, West Canadian Graphics, the University of Calgary, and South Centre Fine Cars / Porsche Centre. 

In 2009/2010, Jim became suddenly ill with Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (Clarkson’s Disease). It was a devastating and disabling illness that placed everything in his life on hold. For the next thirteen years, episodes of this disease were constant with frequent hospitalizations until his passing at the Foothills Medical Centre ICU. 

In spite of these troubles, his soul remained kind, and he created special relationships with the amazing healthcare workers who went out of their way to help him. He loved each and every one of them, and I’m sure they felt the same of him. Thank you to Alberta Health Services for thirteen years of compassionate and high-quality care especially from EMS, Foothills Medical Centre Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Unit 36, and many more.  

To every health care worker who knew Jim, please know he loved you very much and he was so thankful for your care and friendship. I would like to send a special thank you to both Dr. Robert J. Herman and Dr. Heather Armson. Your care went far above and beyond. We both love you and thank you. 

Jim was predeceased by his mother Jessie Evans (nee Landymore), and his sister Theresa Dreller Evans. He is survived by his wife Liesa Evans (nee Durksen), his dad John Evans, siblings, Mike Evans (Kathy), Anna Tokarz (Ron), John Evans, Dan Evans (Shannon), Mike Schneider, Fay Harvie, and many nieces, nephews and extended family, all of whom he loved. He will also be missed by his furry friends Ginger and Addie. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3) on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jim’s family at www.mhfh.com. 

In living memory of Jim, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.  

In Jim’s honour, please do something kind for someone today. Love from Liesa.