James Alwin Evensen, 71, of Sheridan, WY passed away peacefully at his home in Sheridan, WY on Sept. 30, 2026 with his loving family by his side. After a life filled with adventure, music, hard work, family, faith, and a deep love of the mountains, Jim has faithfully completed his earthly mission moving on to his next great venture with those awaiting him on the other side of the veil.

Jim was born on Sept. 24, 1955 to Maurice and Margaret Evensen in Pueblo, Colorado. The family moved to Rye, CO in 1962.  Jim loved his hometown nestled beneath the mighty Greenhorn Mountains. It was there that Jim’s adventurous spirit took root.  He could often be found fishing, hiking, riding horses, and was always exploring the beauty of the area.

Jim graduated from Rye High School in 1974.  He enjoyed school and was a good student.  He excelled in sports including football, basketball, and track where he held a school record for over 30 years.  Jim understood the virtue of hard work.  During the summers, he worked at a number of jobs including the Rye Trout Farm and Fish Hatchery, harvesting wheat on the Medill family dryland wheat farm, as well as hauling hay and building fence. The summer after graduation, he carried on that work ethic through his employment in road construction across Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.

Jim found his passion for music in his earlier years and played the French Horn in the band and bought his first guitar when he was in Junior High. Throughout his life, he found joy in playing the guitar and singing for himself and for others.  During his freshman year at BYU, he was selected to sing in the group “Sounds of Freedom” where he had the opportunity to further his talents and tour with the group.  He shared his talents and love of music throughout his life.  He continued to use his musical abilities to enrich the lives of family and friends at school, at church, and in his home.

Jim was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From 1975 - 77, he served as a missionary in Norway, the homeland of the Evensen family.  Jim forged a lasting connection to the land of his ancestors  and returned several times throughout his life to further explore the country and walk among the places connected tohis heritage. While there, he spent time with people he taught, enabling him to see the fruits of his missionary efforts. His faith became more of an anchor to him over the course of time as he joyfully served in a number of callings including Young Men’s, Elder’s Quorum, and Primary organizations of the church.  His faith in the Lord’s plan for eternal families led him to being sealed tohis eternal sweetheart, Janine Goodrich Evensen Sept. 5, 2026 in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Following his mission, Jim attended the University of Utah where he graduated with his degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 1983. While in school, he worked nights at UPS at the Salt Lake Airport. During his career, Jim worked for engineering firms in Utah, California, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and WY where he retired from his professional career in 2020. He was passionate about his work and embraced the challenges presented by each employment. His dedication earned the respect of those working with him and led to professional accomplishments including environmental patents and improvements to road safety infrastructure through his work at WYDOT.

Above all of his adventures, Jim treasured his family. He loved his children, Jimmer and Kirsten with all of his heart and took great pride in his seven grandchildren.  They brought him immense joy and being their dad and grandpa was one of the greatest honors of his life. He shared a loyal bond with his beloved dog, Brinkley. The two were nearly inseparable through countless days and adventures.  

Later in life, Jim found a love that brought a special peace to his journey.  With Janine, he found true love.  She brought companionship, laughter, and a sense of calm to his heart.  After a lifetime of wandering, working, exploring and seeking adventure, Jim found in Janine a place where his heart could finally rest.  

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Margaret Evensen and niece Misty Bassett.  He is survived by his wife, Janine Evensen, sisters Debbie Evensen, Anita (Cabot) Bassett, Beverly Evensen, brother David(Colleen) Evensen, daughter Kirsten (Michael) McKee, and son James Andrew Evensen and his grandchildren Elsa, Jax, Claire, Charlie, Peter, Andrew, and Caroline as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him and often referred to him as the “fun uncle.”  He leaves behind the people, places, music, mountains and memories that made his journey so incredibly meaningful.  May his ship find calm waters, his path be bright, and his next great adventure be worthy of the life he lived.  "Skål" Jim.  You are so loved by so many and will truly be missed.

A memorial service honoring his life will be held at Champion Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan, WY on Oct. 10, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with a reception to follow in the Champion Kane Funeral Home Reception Hall.

If you are unable to attend the service please follow the link below to view the livestream.

https://boxcast.tv/view/celebrating-the-life-of-james-evensen-pdxu6pdjaaemtta6ri5i

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