Search by Name

Search by Name

Evelyn Elaine Van Hook James

1931 - 2019

Evelyn Elaine Van Hook James obituary, 1931-2019, Ruston, LA

BORN

1931

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Kinchen Funeral Home, Inc. - Lafayette

1011 N St Antoine St

Lafayette, Louisiana

Evelyn James Obituary

Our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Evelyn Elaine Van Hook James, died peacefully on Wednesday May 15 at her home on Chautauqua Road in Ruston, La. after surviving for many years with the complications that come with Alzheimer's and dementia. Evelyn was born in Shreveport, La on March 19, 1931 to McGuire "Mac" and Floy "Woy" Van Hook. She graduated from LA Polytechnic Institute (LA Tech University) in Elementary Education in 1951. Evelyn is survived by her six children and spouses: Billy James and wife Shai of Metairie, David James and wife Jeanne of Baton Rouge, Mark James and wife Alison of Metairie, Bob James and wife Lesley of Ruston, Jeff James and wife Mia of Baton Rouge and Ginger Halford of Whitehouse, TX. She is also survived by sixteen grandchildren: Shannon Roberts and husband Marshall, Staci Kearney and husband Dan, G.W. "Will" James IV and wife Suzanne; Sally Svendson and husband Wade, William and Carter James; Mark Jr., John, Paul and Peter James; Bobby James and wife Hannah, Shep and Hayes James; Catherine James; James and Jack Halford and four great-grandchildren: Grayson and Reese Roberts; Elaine Grace and Annalee James. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Mary Nell Van Hook Anders and Peggy Van Hook. She was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and adoring husband of 63 years, G.W. "Billy" James Jr., grandson David M. James Jr., her parents, Mac and Floy Van Hook, and her brothers Gerald and Bubba Van Hook. Evelyn was affectionately known as "Mamaw" by her grandchildren whom she loved very much. She was a constant source of loving encouragement by offering "Mamaw-isms" to the ones that needed it. Her proudest accomplishment in life was her family where she spent the majority of her time being involved and present in her children and grandchildren's lives. Earlier in life she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family at Grand Isle, Lake D'arbonne and hosting cookoutsand gatherings with her many cherished friends. Later she loved antiquing with her daughters-in-law, spending time with Billy at their condos in Crested Butte Colorado and Orange Beach, AL. She and Billy enjoyed restoring homes such as the Hodge/James "Little Camp" at Lake D'arbonne, the Crook house on Chautauqua Road and the T.L. James Big House. Evelyn had the gift of a green thumb as evidenced by a Horticulture and Floral license from the State of Louisiana. Evelyn's Flowers and Gifts provided flower arrangements to Trinity United Methodist Church and many weddings and funerals for friends and family. Her artistic flair was evident at many of her grandchildren's Baptisms and birthday parties throughout the year. Evelyn was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority and mentored generations of young students at Louisiana Tech University. Evelyn was a past president of the Ruston Beautification Foundation. She enjoyed membership in the Garden Study club and was a longtime member of the Ruston Junior Guild. She spent countless hours volunteering at Trinity Church and the Louisiana Methodist Foundation. The family is very grateful to LaGrant Tolston for 54 years of loyal and faithful service, to Sharonda Wiley for her loyal and caring support, and to the many caregivers who attended her during her illness. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 19 from 2-3PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1000 Woodward Ave, Ruston, LA. Services will follow immediately at 3:00 PM. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston. Pallbearers will be Evelyn's thirteen (13) grandsons. Funeral will be officiated by Dr. Reverend Juliet Spencer, Reverend Rolly Walker, and Reverend Leslie Stephens. Memorial donations may be made to the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home, P.O.Box 929 Ruston, LA 71273, or Trinity United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

Published by The Advocate from May 16 to May 19, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Evelyn James

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

a loved one

May 18, 2019

To my Van Hook James family, North Louisiana will always be my roots for a perfect childhood, making extraordinary memories from ordinary days. Aunt Evelyn was one of the sweetest, most giving souls to ever grace this place. Love and prayers to all, Mary Evelyn Van Hook Escamilla

Mary Escamilla

Family

May 16, 2019

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Evelyn James's name

Memorial Events
for Evelyn James

May

19

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church

1000 Woodward Ave., Ruston, LA

May

19

Service

3:00 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church

1000 Woodward Ave., Ruston, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Kinchen Funeral Home, Inc. - Lafayette

1011 N St Antoine St, Lafayette, LA 70501

How to support Evelyn's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Evelyn James's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more