Obituary of James Woodson Van Evra
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of James Woodson Van Evra on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, surrounded by his family in Waterloo, Ontario. He was 87.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Judith Van Evra, as well as his daughters Stephanie (Jim), Susan (Steve) and Jennifer (Jean), and his granddaughters Katie (Ben) and Sarah (Erika). He will also be missed by his nephews, Rob, Jon and Kyle and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Esther and Robert, and his brother Bob (Ruth).
Jim was born in Chicago on May 28, 1938, and had wonderful memories of growing up in the jazz and blues era.
One of his first jobs was working at the Museum of Science and Industry, and Jim loved to tell stories about the various displays he worked on, including a full-size replica coal mine.
His educational accomplishments included an undergraduate degree at Valparaiso University in Indiana and a PhD at Michigan State University. Jim and Judy were the first married couple to graduate together with their PhDs at Michigan State.
Jim accepted a position at the University of Waterloo in 1965 and embarked on a 41-year career as a professor of philosophy, specializing in logic and philosophy of science. He was adored by his students and colleagues.
He served on several boards, but was most proud of his 10 years of service at the YMCA, for which he received the Lou Buckley Award — one of the organization’s highest honours.
Jim loved running and was a card-carrying member of the “Red Hand Club” — a group that conveniently ensured the maximum number of rest stops at traffic lights.
Jim enjoyed travelling and loved to share stories of his sailing adventures (and comical misadventures). But mostly he enjoyed simple pleasures — the company of family and friends, good food and drink, and colourful conversation. He was inquisitive by nature, and had a wide-ranging passion for books, music, science, art and politics, as well as adventurous tastes in everything from food to cars.
Jim was well-loved for his warmth, kindness, generosity, humility, intellect and giant heart. He cherished the relationships in his life, especially with his dear wife, his daughters and their partners, and his beloved grandchildren. He had many friendships that spanned more than half a century.
Jim loved to make people laugh, and those who knew him will miss his wry wit and devilish grin. His extraordinary repertoire of bad dad jokes will leave a legacy of groans.
Special thanks to Jim’s healthcare providers, including Anita Caldwell, Gretta Unger-Peters, Allison Smith, and Stephanie Boyd at Pathways Therapy; Ontario Health at Home’s palliative care team and CarePartners; Right at Home; Dr. Sherwin Wong and the medical team at St. Mary’s General Hospital; and MAID provider Dr. James MacLean.
Jim specifically wanted to convey his support for the availability of Medical Assistance in Dying, or MAID, in Canada and beyond.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region or the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Foundation and may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.