Norman James “Jim” Evans, the son of Norman O. and Pearl (Bowersox) Evans was born on September 16^th, 1934 in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, North Dakota.  He died at the age of 79 years on Friday, December 27^th, 2013 at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Jim grew up on the family farm near Wolford and received his education at the Wolford School.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Wolford Lutheran Church.  On March 26, 1954 Jim married Nettie Jane (Stoll) Haugen at Leeds, North Dakota.  The couple celebrated 59 years together and raised two sons.  The family lived in Coos Bay, Oregon where Jim worked as an auto mechanic.  In 1966 the family moved back to the family farm in rural Wolford, North Dakota.  In addition to farming in Wolford, Jim worked as the service advisor for M.J. McGuire’s in Rugby for several years.  They retired from farming and moved to Rugby 18 years ago.  Jim enjoyed traveling, spending time at their lake home in Metigoshe and camping.   He was fond of nature, especially the animals and birds. 

Jim was a former Hawk Museum board member, past president of Wolford Lutheran Church Council and a former member of the Wolford Wildlife Club.  He currently enjoyed being a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and the Rugby Senior Citizens Club.

He is survived by his wife, Nettie Jane of Rugby, sons:  Jerry Lee (Geralyn) Evans of Bismarck; Todd J. (Janelle) Evans of North Bend, Oregon; two grandsons: Dr. Joseph Evans and Jared Evans both of Oregon; a sister: Sandra (Gary) Gronos of Arkansas; and his beloved God child, Shari Jerde of Bottineau; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by one sister, Marian Klebe; and his parents.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rugby.  The spring burial will be at the Wolford Community Cemetery, Wolford.  Pastor Dana Holter, officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby and will continue for one hour prior to the time of services at the Church on Tuesday.