James Edward Eversole
Born April 24, 1936 in Oneida, Tennessee
Died May 17, 2022 at the age of 86.
He died an unexpected death as a result of complications from a fall. James “Jim” has been a resident of Martinez for the past 45 years. He is the oldest of 6 children born to the marriage of Ray and Opal Eversole.
He is preceded in death by his father; Ray, mother; Opal, brother; Ray Junior, his stepdaughter; Cindy Wallace (Peters) and wife; JoAnn (Becker-Peters).
He is survived by his siblings Bob Eversole and wife Alyce, Tom Eversole and wife Melinda, Barbara Eversole and Brian Eversole. Children; James Eversole II, Cindy Reynolds (Eversole), David Peters III and wife; Debbie, Jennifer Campbell (Peters), Kristi Peters and Staci Ross (Peters-Eversole) and husband Mark. Jim is also survived and loved by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim was born in Oneida, Tennessee, spent time living in Swain, Arkansas and Missouri. He made his way to California in 1952, where he settled in the East Bay. Shortly after he married Janice Patton and they had 2 children together; Jimmy and Cindy.
Jim started the Emeryville Fire Department in 1959. He enjoyed the comradery, fire hall meals and daily interactions that being a part of the station brought into his life. During 30 years of service he promoted to Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Chief. His role as a fireman was aligned with his caring and helpful heart. He retired in 1989.
He married JoAnn Peters (Becker) in 1977 and brought a life changing union of two families together. They enjoyed coaching baseball, bowling, hosting Japanese students, having Superbowl Parties, traveling with their best friends, eating at good restaurants and entertaining their grandchildren together. Their journey lasted until JoAnn’s passing in 2014. He was an exceptional husband, tireless caretaker, supportive dad and memorable grandpa.
Jim was an athletic man whom excelled at most any sport he engaged in. He enjoyed football, basketball, tennis, horseshoes, ping pong and bowling. He was an avid and exceptional bowler for many years, achieving 15+ perfect 300 games during his bowling career at Paddock Bowl.
He was a musician at heart and shared his talent through his guitar and voice. He played in a band for a number of years and then continued blessing his loved ones with his musical talent from his chair in the living room. Music played a true connection and expression to and from his heart.
Jim was an outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and camping. He liked to indulge himself with good food and sweet treats. He was a smart man of few words, and when he spoke people listened. He was known for a quick wit and great sense of humor. He was a strong presence and respected by all around him. He was a man of many virtues: patience, kindness, loyalty, hard-working and generous. He was a selfless man, wonderful provider and pentacle of strength. He became the structure, “The Rock”, and The Legend for his family and close friends who has the honor of knowing him. He will be greatly missed.
Services will be held at Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary in Lafayette on Saturday June 11, 2022. The viewing will be at 10:00, chapel service at 11:00, followed by being laid to rest. A Celebration of Life will be held at Pacheco Community Center following
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