Jimmy was born on March 09, 1953 in Galax, Virginia to Hebert and Mildred (Robinson) Evans. Finding his mission around the age of 19, he became an avid practioner of Soka Gakkai Nichiren Buddhism as a member of (SGI-USA) and a committed disciple of his mentor Daisaku Ikeda – beginning his life long effort to work for the happiness of
others. Pursuing his passions, Jimmy also received his degree in mechanical engineering ACAD and went on to study Oceanography at Old Dominion University. This led him to settle in Norfolk, VA where he lived out the rest of his life. It was here that Jimmy deeply transformed his karma, encountering his wife and lifetime partner Laverne, whom he began a beautiful journey of human revolution together with.
He later embarked in a career, that he began some four decades ago, in shipbuilding technology. Jimmy worked for BAE Systems; building, remodeling and repairing the Navy’s ships as a shipwright for the Navy and several engineering firms. Throughout his career, his prayer as a man of peace, was always that the ships he built would never have to be used for war. Jimmy practiced art, guitar and gardening. He was an avid lover of music, science, science-fiction, and reading. He also had a strong interest and passion of learning about the millions of galaxies in our universe. His favorite story was “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” that he named his first-born son Jonathan after. His deepest passion, though was his Buddhist practice, was always being deeply concerned with the happiness and growth of others, and facing head-on together, whatever hardships they encountered. Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Hebert and his mother, Mildred “Millie” (Robinson) and sister Joann. Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory, his wife LaVerne Evans of Norfolk, VA, his two sons Jonathan Evans of Virginia, and Jason Lions (Callie) of California; four step-children Kerry Harris (Swanitta), James Harris, & Victor and Victoria Latham all of Virginia; his two brothers Mark Evans (Anna) of Florida; and Eric Evans of Galax, Virginia; 12 grandchildren – 2 of California, 7 of Chesapeake, VA., 2
of Norfolk, VA., and 1 of Georgia; and his many nephews and nieces. All whom he loved and touched deeply, and who will continue on with appreciation and love, having known him in this life.
Condolences(10)-
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Denice Williams says
June 3, 2020 at 10:35 pmJimmy was a cherished and beloved member of SGI-USA. He continuously studied and practiced his faith. He delighted in improving his life and showing others how to do the same. He fought tenaciously for world peace and absolute happiness. He will be missed by all who knew and observed him. Heartfelt condolences to LaVerne and other family members. We share your sorrow.
Elwood Evans says
June 3, 2020 at 11:39 pmAs from my brother Jim favorite story, Jimmy is now able to move instantaneously to anywhere else in the Universe.
“begin by knowing that you have already arrived.”
Our last Hurrah
Whatever we were
to each other ,
That we still are.
You stood there
in silence, with
your brotherly gaze
full of feeling.
It brought to mind
the past I loved…
your last gaze
on earth for me.
You vanished,
silent Guardian
your Cosmic soul,
celestial peace!
All earth’s memories
are there,
all the thoughts
of the universe sacred.
Heavenly stars,
silent night!
Where there is absolute continuity, I know you’re
always there for me.
Your Brother, Mark
Elwood Evans says
June 4, 2020 at 12:15 amThank you for celebrating the life and Enlightenment, of my brother that touched everyone he met.
Elwood Evans
Ram Surendren says
June 4, 2020 at 10:54 amJimmy was a good friend to me. I have a learnt a lot from him about Nichiren Buddhism and was always inspired by his enthusiasm to raise next generation of youth to fight for peace! He had positively impacted many lives around him. He donned his favorite “Never Give Up” T-shirt during his last moments of life! He is a true fighter!
I am forever indebted to you and your family Jimmy!
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
Ram
Barbara Williams says
June 5, 2020 at 11:14 amLaverne he was the love of your life Jimmy had a smile that would light up the world he always had something nice to say and talk about his practice Nam myoho renge Kyo stay strong Barbara Williams
Donna Carter says
June 5, 2020 at 12:41 pmLaVerne and Family: May you find strength and courage during this time. “….Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the ship to cross the sea of
suffering….” My condolences. I will never forget Jimmy’s smile.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Donna Carter
Eric Evans and Family says
June 5, 2020 at 7:22 pmMy love and heart felt love goes out to my loved ones Jimmys sons and there loved ones . Lavern and daughter and son and all there loved ones my heart felt sorrow goes out to all who Jimmys life touched here on earth Jimmy allways sought after love and truth he is for ever my big. Brother Jimmy and all shall shall feel and know his eternal love. Rest in pease my Big Brother Jimmy I love you Jimmy
Thomie Williams says
June 7, 2020 at 12:09 pmTo LaVerne, Jonathan and Jason, and all of Jimmy’s family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jimmy and I go back a long ways, to the days of our youth, awakening to the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin in those early pioneering years. We laughed a lot together, studied a lot together, chanted a lot together, and strove to introduce others to the practice. Over all those years, we maintained respect for each other’s lives. When Jimmy greeted me at the Buddhist Center, he would always recite the words of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging and bow. I returned this greeting to him. He was a devoted disciple of Sensei, and I will miss his kind spirit among us. You have my sincerest condolences, family.
Sharon Nowlin says
June 7, 2020 at 1:00 pmTo LaVerne, Victoria and All of Jimmy’s Family…My condolences. Unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know Jimmy; I only met him that one time at his home during a discussion meeting. I can tell that I was going to like him, he was warm when he greeted me and although he wasn’t feeling well, he was attentive to his guests/Family. You could feel the love his Family and Friends have for him—even down to the grandchildren. I’m glad I had the chance to meet the man that is definitely the love of LaVerne’s life. She spoke of him often. My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May your treasured memories give you all peace and the outpouring of love surrounding you bring some comfort❣️Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Sincerely & Respectfully,
Sharon
Glendya Bowie says
June 7, 2020 at 1:31 pmLavern and Family, Jimmy was such an inspiration to us all and his wonderful smile would warm your heart. He will be greatly missed. May the wonderful memories heal your hearts today and always.
Our deepest condolences, NMRK,NMRK,NMRK
Glendya and Family