JAMES RAY EVANS

James Ray Evans, 85, of Navasota, Texas, passed away on June 13, 2022, with his family by his side at CHI College Station Hospital. Visitation was held at Nobles Funeral Chapel on Friday, June 17, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A memorial celebration followed 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 18, at the First Presbyterian Church of Navasota, with Matt Morse of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

James was born in Cumby, Hopkins County, Texas, on January 7, 1937, to Oscar & Bernice Evans. He moved to Houston at the age of 6 and graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1955. Jaames graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Business Administration in 1959.

James was married to Ruby Druckhammer on March 26, 1959; they were married 63 years. They had two sons, James Marvin Evans, of Navasota, and Gary Wayne Evans, who preceded him in death.

James was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Navasota and served in many capacities within the church: Youth Leader, Treasurer, Deacon, Elder, Trustee and served on numerous committees and mission trips. James was a former member of the Navasota Lions Club, Rattler Booster Club and a Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He continued his practice as an accountant under James R. Evans Tax Service until his death. He also operated J&G Cattle Company with his son, James, and recently found a love of donkeys.

His passion was helping others. James worked summers for World Servants (two years) and Mission Discovery (17 years), building houses and spreading the love of Jesus Christ across the United States, Mexico, the Bahamas, Jamacia, and other countries. He was currently serving as Treasurer of His Kids dba The Nehemiah Center of Navasota, an after-school program for children.

James was a red-ass Texas Aggie who followed most of the schools’ sports programs, the Fighting Texas Lady Aggie Basketball team being his favorite. He and Ruby would travel to home and away games and tournaments to show their support for the Lady Ags.

James is survived by his wife, Ruby Evans; son, James M. Evans; granddaughters, Abbie Allen and husband, Clayton, and Taylor Turner and husband, Jonathon; granddaughters, Ellie Rae Allen & Evyn Lee Allen; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar & Bernice Evans; his son, Gary Wayne Evans and daughter-in-law Glenda Holt Evans.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions in his name be made to The Nehemiah Center, 8352 CR 410, Navasota, TX 77868 or the Memorial Fund of First Presbyterian Church of Navasota, P.O. Box 1269, Navasota, Texas 77868. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at CHI College Station Hospital and Brazos Valley Hospice for all of their kindness and compassion shown to our family.

You are invited to leave kind words and fond memories at www.noblesfuneral.com.