James Henry Evans

It is with heavy hearts, but appreciation that he is at peace, that we announce the passing of James Henry Evans on September 25, 2022, at Bobby’s Hospice, with his loving family by his side.  He was born in Saint John, NB, on February 11, 1933, to the late Henry and Etta (Heans) Evans and was the loving husband of 55 years to his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Cosman) Evans. 

James worked for over 28 years with McCain Foods, as the Chief Engineer of North America.  This career choice led to him being able to travel and work all over the world, from Florenceville, NB, to England and Australia and various places in the United States.  He was an outdoorsman through and through and loved to sail, go hunting and fishing, bird watching, go for hikes, windsurf, and even as he got older - he climbed a mountain at the age of 70 and went skiing on his 75th birthday – he never lost that zest for adventure and being in nature.  James was a people person and could talk to literally anyone.  He made friends everywhere he went, and loved to tell stories, to those strangers who would become friends.  James enjoyed meeting people and interacting.  He was always very involved in the community he lived in and other organizations that matched up with his values and/or interests.  He was Past President of UNB Fredericton Alumni and the Florenceville Rotary Club; Past Chairman of the Board of Riverview Manor in Bath; Lifetime member of the Professional Engineers of New Brunswick; Past Treasurer of the Saint John Naturalist Club; and he was a Past Member of the P.A.C of Grand Bay-Westfield, the community he finally settled down into.   He loved a good joke, especially those at his expense – he always enjoyed a good round of teasing.  James was always a family man and was devoted to his wife and children, but when his grandchildren came along it was like a light was turned on and his true purpose was revealed.  He was “Poppy” to his grandchildren and many of the neighbourhood kids also called him the same.  He was such a special person and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

In addition to Betty, his loving wife, he is survived by his son, David (Elizabeth); his daughter, Katherine (Dwight) Schmidt; his 4 adored grandchildren, Sarah, Benjamin, Peyton and Brady; as well as many, many friends.  He was an only child and after the death of his parents, he was the last living member of his immediate family. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Bobby’s Hospice for their supportive care over his final days.

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424).  In keeping with James’ wishes, no funeral service or visitation will take place.  A graveside service for family and close friends will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 2pm in Fernhill Cemetery.  Those who would like to attend the service are asked to meet by 1:30pm in the Fundy Funeral Home parking lot to process down together.  For those who wish, memorial donations in his memory to Bobby’s Hospice, Canadian Cancer Society, the Sweet Caroline Foundation or to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by his family.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Henry Evans, please visit our floral store.