James William Bevan

James W. Bevan, 60, of Valley Falls passed away on December 30, 2014. Jim was born February 26, 1954 in Paola the son of William and Arleta Jones Bevan. He was raised in Topeka and attended Highland Park High School. He was a machinist by trade. Jim worked at the Santa Fe Railroad as a machine operator for over 25 years before retiring. At the time of Jim’s passing, he worked at Rod End Supply in Olathe.
He raced sprint cars as part of the Midwest Outlaws Series all over the Mid-West. Other lifelong interests include; Kansas Custom Knife Makers where he was the secretary of the KCKA; American Bladesmith Society; Avid Chiefs Fan and long-time season ticket holder; and blacksmith for over 30 years. He was a blacksmith at the Kansas State Historical Society and many over area historical festivals including, the Meriden Antique Engine and Thrashers Association, Heart of America Antique Steam Engine and Model Appreciation at McLouth; Grasshopper Days in Valley Falls and at events at the Kansas National Guard Museum at Forbes Field in Topeka, Ft. Riley and Ft. Leavenworth.
He was married to Judy on September 9, 1997 in Ottawa.
Those surviving him are his wife Judy of Valley Falls; dad, William Bevan of Topeka; mother, Arleta and husband, Howard Masterson of Melvern; daughter, Courtney Bevan of Chapman; son, Will Bevan and wife Becky of Topeka; step-daughter, Tammy Johns and Mike of Williamsburg; step-son, Michael Farris of Osage City; grandchildren, Caden and McKenna Amack, Jacob Petersen, Megan Petersen, Gabe Petersen, Hayley Johns and Jackson Bevan; siblings, Rosemary Artzer and Tom, Dale Masterson, Richard Masterson, Deb Masterson, Brenda Masterson, Anita Johnston and Keith, Traci Cole, Toni Ramirez and Mark, Kim Harris and Andy, Brad Johnson and Vicki Ellsworth; and numerous nieces and nephews of various generations.
Jim was preceded in death by a infant daughter, Kelly Bevan; a nephew Nicholas Ortiz and a brother-in-law, Mike Cole.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm on Monday, January 5, 2015 at Countryside Christian Church, 3635 NE K 4 Highway in Topeka. The family will receive friends from 3-5 pm on Monday at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to COF and sent in care of Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka.