James R. Evans, a lifelong Winthrop resident who dedicated more than three decades to helping and training local athletes as a coach, educator, and athletic director, has died at age 88.
Evans, who passed away on September 28, 2025, left an everlasting mark on the Winthrop sports community.
After graduating from Winthrop High in 1955 and serving in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, he chose to teach physical education at Springfield College and Salem State to pursue his childhood passion.
In 1961, he joined Winthrop’s physical education staff, later helping the baseball program to multiple conference titles.
From 1972 to 1994, he served as Athletic Director. James was also a key figure behind the growth of school sports and earned recognition as Massachusetts Athletic Director of the Year in 1987.
James Was More Than Just An Athletic Director
As a strong advocate and mentor for Title IX, Evans created opportunities for female athletes at a time of significant change in high school athletics, when female sports were given much less priority.
A former Student of James shared an emotional story from the past about how the late Coach’s program helped them.
Mr. Evans was an amazing family man, educator, athletic director and an outstanding humanitarian. I met him when I was 12 and I was delivering newspapers in my neighborhood. He always said hi when he saw me. When I got to the high school and joined my classmates playing field hockey and being the manager of the basketball and softball teams at WHS Mr. Evans made things happen for those programs. Actually for all the programs.
He used to say he was just doing his job but we all know he went above and beyond to make sure the students had what they needed.
A stone tossed into water creates many ripples. Mr. Evans touched so many lives. I believe it is too numerous to count. His ripples/work at Winthrop High School and the advances he made for girl’s sports can’t be measured. I am forever grateful for all he did. Thank you Mr. Evans! You will be missed. I’m so glad I saw you at Belle Isle. It will always be a treasured moment when I saw you & Lisa that day. On December 2nd I will start my 52nd season with my beloved WHS Lady Vikings! Thank you Mr. Evans for all you have done for us. Once a Viking, always a Viking!
Another student also added, “Very sorry to hear of the passing of longtime athletic director Jim Evans. Jim was a pioneer in the field who ushered in Title IX reforms and really grew women’s programs at WHS. He will be deeply missed.”
Even after his retirement, Jim remained a central figure in the community, always carrying himself with warmth, kindness, and a commitment to others.
The coach will not only be remembered for his time at WHS, but also as a servant of the nation. “Sincere thanks for the devoted military service you gave to the people of this nation. May you rest in peace,” said Jimmy Considine from Charlestown.
James will also join the heavenly gods alongside his longtime partner, Carol Kane, and former spouse, Marie Evans.
James is survived by his children, Lisa Federic and James K. Evans. The late Sports director coach will also be missed by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family members, relatives, and everyone who knew him not for his profession but for him as a person.
