Evan Richard James, 92, of Plant City, died Feb. 5, 2017.
He was born Jan. 17, 1925, in Niagara Falls, New York, to Evan Ray and Rita (Barrett) James. He earned his degree in engineering from the University of Michigan. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II from June 1943 to December 1945 in both Air Offensive Japan and Eastern Mandates Ryukyus as a central gunner. Throughout his service, he earned the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, three Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, one Oak Leaf Cluster and a World War II Victory Medal. He was a union contractor and owner of Niagara Steel Finishing Company, Steel Contracting Corporation and All Coat Industrial Coatings. He was a member of the Plant City Art Guild and First Presbyterian Church of Plant City. He enjoyed artistic painting, golf, horseback riding, skiing, traveling and playing piano.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Wynona T. James.
He is survived by his sons, James R. James (Maureen), of Ransomville, New York and R. Reis James (Jo-Ann), of Plant City; daughter, Linda James Wolff (Wil), of Largo; grandchildren, Shandra Payne (Brian), Joshua James (Amanda), Evan Kosowski (Myriah), Joel Kosowski, Aaron Kosowski and Evangelon James; great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Daniel Payne; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held Feb. 18, at First Presbyterian Church of Plant City. Rev. David Delph officiated.
Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.