03/07/2026
Jim Bevis’ memorial service will be held tomorrow, Saturday, March 7th at 11am, at Grace House in Florence, AL. As we mark the passing of our beloved friend and leader, we share with you this tribute, written by his daughter, Robyn.
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The essence of Jim Bevis:
Jim was an only child born to a mother who loved to cook, garden and be fashionable. His father worked hard as an iron worker and could often be heard whistling. Grandaddy Bevis reminded me of Popeye with his strong muscular arms.
As a boy Jim loved going to the local movie theater with his dad every Saturday. He especially loved war & western movies. His favorite actors were John Wayne and Roy Rogers. He could Yoyo extremely well and had the gift of singing beautifully.
He was a good boy who stayed out of trouble and respected his parents and teachers. He was very handsome with huge hazel eyes and curly dark hair.
Jim was adventurous and a natural leader. He was not afraid to take on big challenges.
At the age of 22, Jim was “star struck” by a beautiful young lady he saw singing on the Ed Sullivan Show August of 1959. When Mr. Sullivan announced the Wagnon Sisters were from North Alabama, Jim determined it was possible to meet her and perhaps win her heart. Anne lived just across the Tennessee River. Jim prevailed and they married six months after meeting.
Maybe it was all the movies he had watched with his dad where the good guy always gets the girl! Or perhaps it was divine intervention and the Lord providentially set the stage for a dynamic couple to fulfill His purposes.
New life followed 11 months after their wedding, and by the time Anne was 25 she had 4 girls under the age of 5. For an only child, Jim learned the joy and challenge of living and loving 5 women. They named each daughter musical names, Melody Anne, Robyn
Rae, Amy Yvette, and Holly Carol.
Jim had set course for a career in ministry, and Anne continued her music career by singing and dancing with her new musical act, the Bevis Girls. Jim often said, “I’m the only Church of Christ preacher who goes home every evening to a floor show”. The
Bevis Girls were a hit from early on, and Jim integrated them into his ministry. He would also say, “I’m just the tour bus driver.”
The Bevis family rode a wild roller coaster, pioneering Christian ministry that began in Alabama stretching out and around the state of Texas, looping back to Georgia, and climbing up hill to Tennessee before chasing around that same track again. The
daughters married off the roller coaster along the way.
Once their nest was empty, they kicked in to “high adventure,” exploring and pouring themselves into 45 different nations.
Grandchildren soon followed, and “Popi and Mimi” became their beloved terms of endearment in our family.
All 11 grandchildren adored and respected their Popi. He was generous, funny, willing to poke fun at himself, and he always pointed them to faith in Christ. A favorite activity for the young ones was to climb “Popi Mountain” as he laid on the floor or relaxed in a chair. Popi and Mimi prioritized every special occasion of the children and grandchildren. Dad was generous and loved investing in fun adventures, good food, and
making memories. If my Daddy was down to $50, he would joyfully take us all out to eat.
Daddy was an excellent listener. He might not agree with what you were saying, but he would hear you out. Dad communicated clearly and sometimes intensely. He modeled unconditional love, humility, and living for an audience of One.
As a husband, he cherished Mama. He protected her, adored her and made sure she knew how beautiful she was. He was faithful and fiercely loyal to her. He set the bar unrealistically high for all of the son-in-loves, because Daddy celebrated my Mama every
day and ventured to outdo himself every holiday and anniversary.
As he realized that his days on earth were coming to an end, he wrote our Mama and each daughter a letter that we will all cherish.
In closing, Jim Bevis loved Jesus and sought to live a life that glorified Him.
Jim Bevis loved Anne, his greatest joy, perfect partner and most loyal confidant.
Jim’s legacy lives on in his family and the many lives he ushered into a deeper walk with Christ.
Jim lived a remarkable life of faith and faithfulness.
