James C. Evans, 68, of Eureka, MT passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at his home in Eureka, Montana. He was born December 29, 1942 in Tacoma, WA to James and Margarite (Barnett) Evans.

He grew up and attended school in Marysville, graduating from Marysville High School with the class of 1961. He graduated from Western Washington University with a B.A. in history and then the University of Washington with his Masters in Economics.

He passionately and patriotically served in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot for 30 years, eventually retiring as a full Colonel. Colonel James C. Evans was a former commander and professor of Aerospace Studies AFROTC Detachment 910, University of Washington. The Colonel entered the Air Force July of 1967 and received his commission through Officers Training School. He did command an A-10 tactical fighter wing as well as an F-4 and F-16 tactical fighter squadron. He was Deputy Commander of Operations for Joint Task Force “Provide Comfort” which was responsible for all American, British, French, and Turkish aircraft flying Allied Air operations over Northern Iraq. He was a command pilot with over 4000 flying hours in the F-100, F-4, A-10, F-16 and F-5. He flew 381 Southeast Asia.

His decorations include Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 21 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendations Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Jim had a deep Christian faith, which was always evident in his profound love of family and his multitude of friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, and most of all working on projects around his and Val’s dream home they built on Scenery Hill in Eureka, Montana. Montana and its environment nurtured his innate love of nature. He was bigger than life, and will be sorely missed.

Survivors include his wife Valerie Evans of Shoreline, WA; children James Evans II of Seattle, WA; Jennifer Bruton (Curtis) of Frisco, TX; and Angie Holmes (Chad) of Atlanta, GA; brothers Michael Evans (Cindy) of Phoenix, AZ and John Evans (Deborah) of Napa Valley, CA; uncle David Evans (Marie) of Marysville, WA; and grandchildren Chase, Brennan, Delaney, and Kate.

He is still working on his water feature.

Funeral services will be Saturday April 23rd, 1PM at Faith Community Church on 10220 238th St. S.W, Edmonds, WA 98020

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Jim’s chosen charity: The Red River Valley Fighter Pilot Association’s widow and orphan scholarship fund. Online donations for the River Rats Scholarship fund: http://river-rats.org/donations.php