James Larry Evans

James Larry Evans, 83, of Cumming, GA passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Known as James to many and Larry to some, his adopted family endearingly called him “Pops”, which was a name he loved (although he would call himself “Old Geezer”). James was born in Newark, NJ on June 26, 1943, and received his Bachelor of Science of Education from Winston-Salem State University and then went on to teach public school. During his time teaching, he met his wife, Stella, who was also a teacher during that time. They had one child, James Jr., “Jimmy,” whom they lost when he was very young. He decided he did not want to be a teacher and started a career in insurance. He had many adventures with Stella, including a time that they lived on a boat in the Bahamas. After a long career at State Farm Insurance as a claim’s adjuster, James worked at Home Depot in Dawsonville, GA until he was over 80. Best front door greeter ever, they eventually moved him to hardware. He was incredibly helpful there in a time when it was hard to find employees that actually care. He was a professional sax player at one time, an avid golfer, and truly loved his jazz music. He was of the Baptist faith. After Stella’s passing, James reconnected with his high school sweetheart in New Jersey, Brenda Jones. Brenda brought joy into his life until her passing in 2020. James was a reserved and dignified gentleman and the epitome of class and wit. He loved to crack jokes and keep people laughing. He was the coolest guy in the room and an inspiration to all who knew him. James had many dear friends, who loved him as fiercely as he loved them. Left to remember him always is his “adopted daughter,” Cindy Butler, her son, Eli McMillian (Hannah), whom he considered his own grandchild, and their two boys, Jameson and Weston, all of Dahlonega, GA; and his other extended Dahlonega family, Glenda Sue Weaver, Russell Butler (and his son, Dusty), Adam Butler (and his son, Owen); his extended family in New Jersey, Karen Chase and her daughter, Adia Ledbetter, all of whom he dearly loved; his extended family in the Bahamas, Ralph and Joan Munnings, Ricky (Corinne) Munnings, Ollie Ferguson, Carina Ferguson, Pam, and Genie Kemp; his special lifelong friends, Thomas “Shakedown” Hagans of Virginia and McKinley “Mack” Brown of North Carolina, (and Cleveland “Dude” Carter, who passed away in the last couple of years). The four of them were known as “The Pennsylvania Avenue Boys.” A Celebration of Life to honor James will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Sweet Dixie Farms, 375 Lucille Lane, Dahlonega, GA 30533. Please come and share a story or fellowship with friends in James’ memory. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the service hour, and the service will be livestreamed.

James Larry Evans

June 26, 1943 - September 2, 2026