James Evans: 'Always willing to help'

Intermountain Catholic

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James Evans

OGDEN — James Evans is recovering at McKay-Dee Hospital after being severely wounded by a gunshot during a Mass at Saint James the Just Catholic Church June 16. His son-in-law, Charles Richard Jennings, Jr., has been charged in connection with the shooting.

Evans is in fair condition and will be released from the hospital in a couple days, but still has about eight weeks of therapy and treatment, said Tara Evans, his wife.

"They call him the ‘Miracle Guy’ at the hospital because he is healing so fast," she said. "He is healing fast because of prayers and I truly believe that the Blessed Mother turned his head at the right moment so the bullet didn’t touch his brain. It went through the back of his head and out his cheek and when I could see that I had hope that he would be OK."

Jim is a very kind and quiet man, friendly and well-liked, said Father Erik Richtsteig, St. James the Just pastor. "He is an usher and always willing to step forward when we need help around the parish."

Evans is a truck driver for Associated Foods.

Deacon Herschel Hester has known Evans for about 10 years and said he is a very peaceful person.

"He is one of those people who is always willing to help those in trouble or in need of physical help," said Deacon Hester. "Jim is one of those people I would always enjoy inviting for dinner because he brings a peaceful spirit. Both he and Tara are very devout; they are an amazing couple who fit and click; they play off of each other. Jim is quiet; his wife is effusive. Tara is also always willing to lend a helping hand."

"Both Jim and Tara are such beautiful people who would help anyone," agreed Emily Ann Watkins, a St. James parishioner. "Tara smiles all the time, even when she has trouble. Everybody loves them; they are a beautiful couple and wonderful people."

Beatrix Robbins, 11, has known the Evanses for about a year.

"Jim and Tara are really nice; they are friends of our family and they have two really cute Corgi dogs," Robbins said. "That is how we got our Corgi, Dolly. We like to talk a lot with them, and I’m so glad that Jim is going to be OK and that Tara is happy."