James D. Evans, 95, passed away on January 28, 2018. Born 1922 in Worcester, MA, Jim recalled a "wonderful childhood on Lee Street, summers at Plum Island, riding the Goodyear Blimp and watching baseball at Yankee Stadium and Giants Park in New York." Jim majored in Spanish and graduated from Holy Cross, then joined the Army in WW II, and was sent to Harvard for China studies. He used his Mandarin skills while stationed in Shanghai with China Theatre Operations. Jim returned home as Master Sargeant and moved to Hawaii in 1947 as a management trainee with Bank of Hawaii. His first 20 years at the bank were spent in Hilo, while the remainder of his 40-year career was spent in Honolulu as Executive Vice President. After retiring from Bank of Hawaii he became the President of First National Bank of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ. Upon his return to Honolulu, Jim volunteered at Hawaii Meals on Wheels serving on the Board of Directors. Jim was dedicated, respected, took pride in his accomplishments, and worked incredibly hard to support his family. He treasured time with family and placed their needs above his own. He and his first wife, Blossom raised 11 children in Hilo before she passed away in 1984. Before retiring from Bank of Hawaii Jim met and married Renee Shima. They shared a special bond and a sense of discovery as their passion for travel and adventure led them around the world. He was grateful for their life together and took joy in remembering special occasions with poems, flowers, and cards. Days before he passed away, it gave him great pleasure to present Renee a floral bouquet in celebration of their 31st wedding anniversary. In Jim's words "the Lord made possible my life story, He has been with me throughout my life, doing wonderful things for me, and giving extraordinary gifts to me." Gentle and kind, Jim lived his faith as a man for others and wanted to be remembered as a fair, committed, loving husband and father. In 2009 he published "Tutuman's Memoirs" with its dedication to his "two incredible soul mates." He is survived by his wife Renee, daughters: Margaret Evans, Sheila Evans (Ernest), Anna Ater (Mark), Blossom Johnston (Lamont), Bella Edwards (Paul), Malia Evans, & Catherine Evans-Bautista (Jose), and sons: James (Sybil), George (Donna) and Martin (Cece) and 80 na pua. Jim was preceded in death by son Michael (Tina). Gifts may be made to John A. Burns School of Medicine or Hawaii Community Foundation for Blossom Evans Scholarship Fund. Hilo Memorial Mass: April 13, 2018, 10:00am, Immaculate Heart of Mary. Honolulu Memorial Mass: April 14, 2018, 10:00am, Newman Center- Holy Spirit Parish, 2707 Pamoa Rd.
James D. Evans, 95, passed away on January 28, 2018. Born 1922 in Worcester, MA, Jim recalled a "wonderful childhood on Lee Street, summers at Plum Island, riding the Goodyear Blimp and watching baseball at Yankee Stadium and Giants Park in New York." Jim majored in Spanish and graduated from Holy Cross, then joined the Army in WW II, and was sent to Harvard for China studies. He used his Mandarin skills while stationed in Shanghai with China Theatre Operations. Jim returned home as Master Sargeant and moved to Hawaii in 1947 as a management trainee with Bank of Hawaii. His first 20 years at the bank were spent in Hilo, while the remainder of his 40-year career was spent in Honolulu as Executive Vice President. After retiring from Bank of Hawaii he became the President of First National Bank of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ. Upon his return to Honolulu, Jim volunteered at Hawaii Meals on Wheels serving on the Board of Directors. Jim was dedicated, respected, took pride in his accomplishments, and worked incredibly hard to support his family. He treasured time with family and placed their needs above his own. He and his first wife, Blossom raised 11 children in Hilo before she passed away in 1984. Before retiring from Bank of Hawaii Jim met and married Renee Shima. They shared a special bond and a sense of discovery as their passion for travel and adventure led them around the world. He was grateful for their life together and took joy in remembering special occasions with poems, flowers, and cards. Days before he passed away, it gave him great pleasure to present Renee a floral bouquet in celebration of their 31st wedding anniversary. In Jim's words "the Lord made possible my life story, He has been with me throughout my life, doing wonderful things for me, and giving extraordinary gifts to me." Gentle and kind, Jim lived his faith as a man for others and wanted to be remembered as a fair, committed, loving husband and father. In 2009 he published "Tutuman's Memoirs" with its dedication to his "two incredible soul mates." He is survived by his wife Renee, daughters: Margaret Evans, Sheila Evans (Ernest), Anna Ater (Mark), Blossom Johnston (Lamont), Bella Edwards (Paul), Malia Evans, & Catherine Evans-Bautista (Jose), and sons: James (Sybil), George (Donna) and Martin (Cece) and 80 na pua. Jim was preceded in death by son Michael (Tina). Gifts may be made to John A. Burns School of Medicine or Hawaii Community Foundation for Blossom Evans Scholarship Fund. Hilo Memorial Mass: April 13, 2018, 10:00am, Immaculate Heart of Mary. Honolulu Memorial Mass: April 14, 2018, 10:00am, Newman Center- Holy Spirit Parish, 2707 Pamoa Rd.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
