James Byron "J.B." Evans

James Byron (J.B.) Evans, 85, heard the words “well done, good and faithful servant” on Monday, May 15, 2023, when he received his promotion to heaven. He was born December 8, 1937, in Hot Springs, Arkansas to the late Sam Albert and Euna Mae (Higdon) Evans. On May 20, 1960, he married Carolyn Short. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2010. She passed to “the far side banks of Jordan” on January 28, 2011.

He was a jack of all trades serving as teacher, chicken farmer, bank public relations officer, Sears catalog store owner, hog farmer, among other jobs before landing in the role for which he was created: pastor and shepherd. Having helped start Glenwood Church of the Nazarene as a layman in 1974, he became pastor in 1985. He was ordained an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in May 1996. He served as pastor until he retired in 2004. God stirred a new work in his heart and he and Carolyn started Sunshine Church of the Nazarene in 2006. He retired again from pastoral work in 2012. He loved personal evangelism and sharing the Gospel. His favorite hymn was “I Love to Tell the Story” and his favorite scripture was “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15). In high school, he enjoyed participating in Future Farmers of America and was thankful for his adviser and mentor, Ish Stivers, throughout the course of his life. He also played basketball in high school. He served in the National Guard from May 1956 through August 1962. He served on the school board for the Glenwood School District. He was a respected leader on the South Arkansas District Church of the Nazarene serving on the District Advisory Board, a delegate to General Assembly, a member of the District NMI (Missions) Council, and a member of the District Sunday School Ministries Board, among so many other hats he wore. He was an avid team member on several Work and Witness trips. He loved serving the Lord whether on domestic soil, or around the world. He enjoyed playing tennis. He watched countless sporting events for his children and grandchildren.

Left with loving memories are his three sons, Jeff (Kati) of Glenwood, Tim (Karen) of Alexander, and Greg (Kelly) of Hot Springs, seven grandchildren: Karyn, Randy, Daniel, Keith, Josiah, Ashleigh, and Emma; twelve great-grandchildren; sister Wanda (Brent) Page, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He found love again in 2012 when he reconnected with high school friend, Annette Jones Stanage. They married on October 27, 2013. They enjoyed some traveling and built a beautiful life together in the short time they had. Her three children – Roger (Jerrie Lynn) Stanage, Kimberly (LeRoy) Wagner, and Eric (Donita) Stanage all of Hot Springs, along with their families, enjoyed the addition of J.B.’s humor to their family gatherings. The family felt as if he had adopted them as his own. He added joy and spiritual depth to the family. Along with Annette and his bonus children, there are nine bonus grandchildren and ten bonus great-grandchildren who will also remember him well!

Pallbearers will be grandchildren, Karyn Canon, Randy Alexander, Daniel Alexander, Keith Bledsoe, Josiah Evans, Ashleigh Evans, Emma Evans, and bonus grandchildren Seth Stanage, Caleb Wagner, and Dylan Stanage

Honorary pallbearers are grandson-in-law, Hector Lopez, bonus grandchildren: Rachel (Wagner) Dzagulones, Sam Stanage, Blake Stanage, Courtney Stanage, Katie Stanage, and Allie Stanage; Dennis Reid, fellow pastors, Work and Witness team members, and countless friends who have walked with him on life’s journey.

The family is very grateful for the loving care that Annette and Kim, along with family friends Sheila Samples and Dennis Reid, provided in the last few months of dad’s care.

Visitation will be Friday, May 19, 2023, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Glenwood First Church of the Nazarene, 776 Hwy. 70 E, Glenwood, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.