Johnny James Evans went by many names: JJ, Big Tex, Big John, Legendary, but I think it's safe to say that Johnny James was the one that stood out the most. Johnny James was born in Crawford, MS, to Charlie B. Evans Sr and Lillie Dell Evans. Throughout his travels, he touched everyone he met through engaging conversation and a passion for music.

"Big John" spent the earlier part of his life in Kankakee, Illinois, where he and his older brother Shot attended Westview High School. He enjoyed his time there participating in sports and carrying that enthusiasm into his later years.

"JJ" stayed in the Illinois area, where he picked up truck driving, and as he'd tell anyone asking, "anything with wheels, I can drive it"! He drove for companies such as 7UP, and Winn Dixie where he left his mark as a hard worker. He developed a passion for vehicles and learned to work on them, becoming the family mechanic.

Johnny James enjoyed being the life of the party. Whether he was out on the dance floor dropping it or behind his computer playing his favorite tunes, his presence was always unforgettable. His memory will be that of a family man, a provider, a listening ear, a giver, and a bringer of JOY!

Johnny laid down for his final rest on November 18, 2025 in Crawford, Mississippi.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lee Bernard Jones, and Charlie Bell Evans Jr., Char Lee Evans, and sister, Janice Evans and son, Bobby Lowdery.

Johnny's memories will live on through his family: his children, Charnell Evans of Pflugerville, TX, Coy Estes of San Antonio, TX, Takisha Wynne, Cornell Evans, and Vince Evans, all of Fort Worth, TX, and Amanda Evans of St. Louis, MO; his siblings, Faye Coleman of Birmingham, AL, JoAnne Evans of Covington, GA, Venessa Outlaw of Starkville, MS, and Carl Bush of Artesia, MS; eighteen grandchildren. He also leaves a marid of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He impacted everyone's life that he met and left them with memories that will forever be shared and cherished.