James Evans

On Tuesday April 21, 2020 James Milton Evans, 69 years of age, passed away suddenly at home due to heart issues. He was the oldest child of Milton and Norma (Hoadley) Evans of Hattiesburg, MS. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg in 1973. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and German with a minor in Military Science. James' first position was as the Librarian/ Media Specialist in the Moss Point Mississippi School system where he served nine years. He attained the Masters of Library Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. James became a Cataloger at the Prescott Memorial Library, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston from 1984-1998. He became the Head of Technical Services and Systems Administrator at Grambling State University from 1998-2000. In 2000 he was employed as Head of Technical Services at Noel Memorial Library at LSU Shreveport until his retirement in 2018. His professional memberships were the American Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries and the Louisiana Library Association. He served on several committees with these organizations. James married his love and best friend Peggy Lou (Bond) Schenk in 2005. His enjoyment of travel and reading created many adventures for both of them. James was involved in the initial creation of the Camp Ruston Foundation to save and protect artifacts of the World War II prisoner of war camp near Grambling, LA. He made a European trip to record interviews of German soldiers that had been incarcerated at the camp. These recordings are in the Louisiana Tech Archives. James is preceded in death by his parents Milton and Norma (Hoadley) Evans who were both educators in Mississippi. He is survived by his wife Peggy Lou and two stepsons: Matthew Schenk, his wife Amanda, grandson Jacob Gillaspie and granddaughter Lailiana Schenk in Sunnyvale, CA; also a stepson Michael Schenk, his fiancée Wendy Gay and grandson Elijah Schenk who live in Minden, LA. He is survived by his only sibling Rosie (Evans) Stuart, her husband Tom and niece Anna who live in Hattiesburg, MS. He had four aunts and one remaining uncle. James had a brother-in-law Sam Bond, his wife Jackie of Springville, IN and two nephews: Christopher Bond, his wife Gergana and great nephew Alexander of Arlington, VA and nephew Jared Bond and his wife Hannah of Indianapolis, IN. The family would like to thank his physicians who worked tirelessly to aid James in the last three months of his life. Dr. Jode Jann Burgin, you were our quarterback helping to direct the action for testing, treatment and follow-up. Dr. Jonathan Davis, your clinical analysis was very welcome as we tried to get to the heart of the matter. Dr. Himanshu Desai, your precision made James more comfortable than you will ever know. Thank each of you and your wonderful staff members. There will be a memorial service at a later date. This will take place at Christ United Methodist Church when the danger of infection has passed. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please send checks or donations to Christ United Methodist Church at 1204 Crabapple, Shreveport with a notation for "Common Ground" food program or send a donation to any local food bank of your choice in your area. The James Evans family thanks you for your prayers.