Thomas James Evans, affectionately known as TJ, age 74, passed away on May 15, 2024, at his residence in Orange, Virginia. He was born on March 11, 1950, in Santa Monica, California, to the late Douglas and Barbara Evans. TJ devoted twenty years of his life to serving his country as a machinist for the United States Navy, aboard an aircraft carrier, where he spent three deployments in the Mediterranean. He was a devoted lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and visited many Mormon temples. In his free time, TJ enjoyed reading many classic novels, and would often write his thoughts on his readings and his observances of nature and things around him. He spent time outdoors taking care of his garden and took pride in maintaining his yard and home. He is survived by his loving wife, Dottie Evans; their daughter, Deborah Plowman; two stepchildren, Donna Lauramore and Don Plowman; three brothers, Scott, Steve, and John Evans; as well as thirteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepson, Lonnie Terrell. Services for TJ will be private. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.