(Newspaper article [The Idaho Enterprise], Thursday, December 23, 1976 Front page)
(Picture of the Evans family. The caption says: Idaho’s New First Family–Pictured at their home in Malad Sunday following his being named to the governorship of Idaho Saturday morning are John V. Evans and his wife, Lola; son Tommy; son David; daughter-in-law, Marian; daughter Martha Gilgen; son-in-law, Brent Gilgen; daughter, Suzy; Another son, Johnny, and daughter-in-law, Karen, who live in Salmon, were not able to be home for the weekend. Photo by Jim Jones.)
John V. Evans attained the highest State office ever held by a Maladian early Saturday morning when President-elect Jimmy Carter announced that he had selected Idaho’s Governor Cecil Andrus to serve in his cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, thus moving Lt. Governor Evans to the Gem State’s top post.
With a background of remarkable success in politics, plus a life-long of experience in farming, business and banking, the new governor will probably take over the post formally about Jan. 20th when the new Carter administration takes the helm of the federal government.
Enthusiastic Welcome
When news of the impending change was announced, Oneida friends and supporters of the new governor moved quickly to make ready for a congratulatory reception as John V. was returning home from Boise late that night.
Hastily drawn signs quickly appeared in windows, on buildings and across Main Street in honor of the new chief executive.
Upon his arrival, he and his wife Lola, riding on the Malad fire truck and followed by an entourage of cars, were escorted to the American Legion Building where the Fireman’s Ball was in progress.
Hundreds of people filling both the main and top floor of the building offered warm personal congratulations to the new governor and upstairs, where he was accompanied by members of his immediate family, his mother, Mrs. D.L. Evans, sister Mariemma, brother, Don and wife, Demona, Malad Mayor Marvin Hess, on behalf of the community, expressed elation over the news of John V. now serving as Idaho’s governor.
He then presented the Governor who spoke briefly, pledging that he would do everything within his power to serve the people well and expressing appreciation for the support and help he has received from the people of Oneida County.
Born Here In 1925
A son of D.L. and Margaret Evans, John V. was born at Malad Jan. 18, 1925 and, except for schooling and military service, has spent his entire life in Idaho.
Graduating from Malad High School, he attended Stanford University where he graduated with a degree in business and economics. His other time away from Idaho was during World War II when he served as an Army infantryman and spent 18 months overseas.
Married Lola Evans
He was married to the former Lola Daniels at Malad on April 29, 1945 and they have five children: David L., 28; John, 25; Martha, 21; Suzy, 14; Tommy, 10.
David, a University of Idaho graduate from the School of Law, is married to the former Marian Zomorano of Tulare, Calif. They live in Malad where David is associated with the law firm of Don L. Harding.
John and his wife, the former Karen Nichols of Emmett, live at Salmon where he is a loan officer with Idaho First National Bank.
Martha is married to Brent Gilgen and they live in Pocatello where he is employed at Pocatello Office Equipment and she attends Idaho State University.
Active Democrat
Ever since returning home from military service, John V. has been active with the Democratic party while engaging in farming, cattle raising and banking.
He is a director of J.N. Ireland & Co., Bankers, a partner in D.L. Evans Farms and associated with the family store, the Evans Co-op.
Taking an active role in community and civic projects, he served as chairman of the Malad Water Users Association, as vice chairman of the Bear River Project Committee, president of the Malad Chamber of Commerce, director of the Oneida County Grain Growers and president of the Deep Creek Irrigation Co.
He has also been active in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Oneida Farm Bureau, Masonic Lodge and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Enters Politics
Following a long-standing family tradition (his grandfather was speaker of the House in the fifth Idaho legislature), John V. made his first try for political office at age 27 and was elected to the State senate from Oneida County.
Re-elected in 1955 and again in 1957, he served as majority floor leader.
(Group Photo: Caption says, A jubilant John V. Evans addresses the crowd extending him enthusiastic congratulations at the Fireman’s Ball Saturday night. At his right are his daughters, Martha and Suzy, son, Tommy, and wife, Lola, and his mother, Mrs. D.L. Evans, is on his left. Photo by Jim Jones.)
Mayor of Malad
In 1966, John V. turned to municipal government and chose to run for mayor of Malad. Elected, he again sought the same post in 1962 and 1965 and was re-elected both times.
Returning to State politics in 1966 he gained a seat in the Senate and then was re-elected in 1968, 1970 and 1972. During his last three terms in the Senate, he served as majority leader.
Chosen Lt. Governor
The long years of service were climaxed in 1974 when John V. was elected lieutenant governor as he won in the Democratic primary over two strong opponents – State Senator Ray Rigby of Rexburg and Nel Solberg of Grangeville – and then turned back the challenge of Republican Vernon Ravenscroft of Tuttle.
Compatible With Andrus
On both issues and day-to-day operation, Idahoans can look for them to be pretty much the same under Governor Evans as they were under Governor Andrus.
The two men are close friends, work well together and share the same political philosophy. And pointing out that Governor Andrus has been one of the most successful and popular administrators in the State’s history, Governor Evans sees no reason to drastically alter a formula that has been working very well.
Education-Top Priority
In an interview this week, Governor Evans said that he believes that a top priority item for the administration and legislature should be education – public and higher. He thinks the State should assume a greater responsibility for public school funding and said: “It’s my belief that the State should be paying 75 per cent for operation of the public schools – and possibly go beyond that – so we can get the funds elsewhere than revenue coming from the overburdened property taxes. The property tax money is needed for local government operation and the State has three sources of revenue – sales, personal income and corporation income.”
Stress on Agriculture
As a man with a life-long tie to agriculture, John V. will be giving close attention to this segment of the economy during his tenure in the State House. “While prices for our farm products are primarily determined by national and international conditions, I believe we should do everything possible to help ourselves. We should encourage our Extension Services to have their economists make careful studies to forecast as far ahead as possible to determine what our agricultural situation is going to be, forewarn our people what to expect, develop cost cutting plans for the farmer and advise him on the best use of chemicals and high producing seeds.”
Local Responsibility
While a strong advocate of conservation and ecological measures to protect Idaho’s environment, the new governor has long voiced a moderate approach to the problems. He says: “There are extremists among us who are vociferous advocates of irresponsible development and irrational environmentalism and we must establish a balance between them.”
Land Use Planning
His support of land use planning is conditioned to the premise that it be carried out at the local level and he points out that Idaho’s cities and counties are now moving ahead on that basis because people realize that we must have orderly development that is in the best interest of the majority.
Water development
Also receiving strong backing from John V. is the move to develop a plan for statewide water development. The Water Resources Board has conducted an extensive study and drafted a plan with public hearings on their recommendations now being held. “We have to determine priorities, develop a position and adopt a viable plan to enable us to take care of our water which, along with land, are our most important natural resources.”
(Picture of a couple sitting together holding hands. Caption says, Idaho’s New Governor and First Lady-Mr. And Mrs. John V. Evans)
Back to Work
After his brief weekend at home, John V. returned Monday morning to Boise with work during the transition period certain to occupy his time fully during the next few weeks.
Governor Andrus will give the State of the State message on January 10th as the Idaho legislature convenes and also present the proposed State budget which has been in the preparation for months. Meantime the new governor will be reorganizing the 20 separate state departments and agencies plus initiating the search for a new lieutenant governor.
While a Republican leader, Senate President Pro-Tem Phil Batt of Wilder has raised the question of who names the lieutenant but most political leaders are of the opinion that it is the prerogative of the new governor. A 1929 precedent also indicates it is the duty of the chief executive and John V. is going ahead on this premise.
While speculation has brought out the names of many who may be chosen, Governor Evans said Sunday that he intends to choose a selection committee to make a widespread search for the best qualified person available. When the number is narrowed down to a half dozen he plans to make his selection.
“While the job pays only $6,000 per year plus travel and other expenses, I feel the job is one that warrants full time attention and this will be one of the criteria the person we got.”
Looking Ahead
As he takes over the $33,000 year job, the new governor says this about running for the post [?] 1978: “I’m going to try and do the best job for Idaho first, and if John Evans gets the people’s approval then two years from now I’ll make the decision.”
(Repeat picture of the family at the Firemen Ball in Malad. Caption says, A jubilant John V. Evans addresses the crowd extending him enthusiastic congratulations at the Fireman’s Ball Saturday night. At his right are his daughters, Martha and Suzy, son, Tommy, and wife, Lola, and his mother, Mrs. D.L. Evans, is on his left. Photo by Jim Jones.)
‘Jack’ Evans remembered by former school mates as football, basketball star, leader
(Newspaper article, [The Idaho Enterprise], Thursday, December 30, 1976)
Fellow classmates of Idaho’s new governor held John V. “Jack” Evans in high regard, remembering him best 33 to 35 years later for leading Malad to State play-offs in basketball and for playing strong side tackle on several championship football teams.
Malad was tops in football during the late 1930s and early ‘40s, winning the district championship three times. On the team for two of those years, “Little John” was known for his size, skill and enthusiasm.
Recalls Ajay Jones, football captain in ‘42 and now a MHS teacher “Jack was a good teammate – he’d encourage the players, pat them on the back, get them going.”
Close Knit Team
Notes Mr. Jones of the tackle, “Jack could always follow orders just as well as he could give them. We had a real good group of guys on the team those few years, and we had a lot of fun together,” he adds, remembering a chick-a-ree or two, but declining to list who participated.
For those newtimers unfamiliar with the term, a chick-a-ree is when fresh young chickens are snatched from local barnyards and thrown into frying pans for a feast – a practice more common around here when several poultry farms were in operation.)
Elton Ashton, past manager for the MHS athletic teams, and now a businessman and national executive American Legion committeeman, holds Jack in very high regard.
Interested In People
“Probably the only reason I stayed in school and studied was because of Jack. I wasn’t anybody, just a 98 lb. kid, but John took an interest in me,” recalls Mr. Ashton. “He urged me to keep up my grades so I could remain manager,” noting that Jack was a conscientious student himself.
Ashton also remembers during initiation for the High School’s letterman “M” Club, the governor-to-be would caution his teammates, “Don’t paddle them so hard.”
“It could get pretty rough,” notes the former manager.
During his senior year, John V. served as captain for the MHS basketball team, playing center.
Recalls Mr. Ashton, “John was big, but moved well, he was real smooth and graceful, He had a great two-handed pivot, and always shot dead on the nose – the other teams couldn’t stop him.”
Friends To Everybody
Carl Willie, a fellow basketball teammate and now a businessman and farmer, notes. “He was big enough to run right over you – but he didn’t. John was a friend to everybody, a pretty fine character.”
Says Dan C. Williams, another teammate and now serving on the Oneida County School Board, “We won at district that year and went to State, Jack did a tremendous job,” adding that until several years ago, 1943 was the only time a Malad High team won the district basketball championships.
(Headshot photo of a young man in a suit. Caption says, “Little John” Evans “His good humor is only exceeded by his big feet” – 1942 Mirror.)
“He was always well thought of,” adds Mr. Williams “His family was better off than most in the community, but you never knew it with old John – he never put anything on.”
(At the bottom of the page is a team photo. Caption says, Jack Evans, number 11, poses with fellow teammates on the 1941-42 Malad High basketball team. Fellow dragons, front row left to right, are Grant Budge, Clair Thomas, AJay Jones, Keith Williams and Max Call. Back row, Coach Jensen, Jack Parry, Lyman Wight, Jack Evans, Lynn Richards and Jack Williams. Photo Reproduction by Jim Jones.)
Another classmate, now a farmer and chairman of the Oneida County School Board, Bishop Donald S. Vaughan recalls: “I always enjoyed being around him, he had a sense of fairness and observed the moral rules of our athletic code.”
(Picture of trophies. Caption says, The trophy case at Malad High holds several plaques and trophies won during 1940-43 for events in which Jack Evans participated. The big football at right was won in 1941 when the Malad team was District 5 class A football champions, center trophy is for 1943 district basketball championship, trophy at left is another district football championship and plaques in the back are marching band honors. Photo by Jim Jones)
Jack also earned honors for Malad High in track, with the shot put as his event. “He took first in the district,” recalls Mr. Ashton.
Played French Horn
Active in band and orchestra Jack played the french horn when the Malad Marching Band was invited to Grand Junction Colorado in 1940 and received an honor one rating. The Evans family still keeps in touch with the band leader at that time, Charles Ratcliffe, now of Twin Falls.
Another classmate was Myron Jones, recently elected State Representative from this district on the Republican ticket. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are currently back east visiting their family.
Schoolmate Thomas Laws, now a farmer, adds, “He was always bigger than anybody else, he really stood out in a crowd, but Jack never pushed himself forward, and wasn’t one to insult anybody. He always seemed to talk about the good side of people, he just didn’t like to criticize them.”
Close MHS Class
Mr. Laws’ wife Lucille also remembers Jack fondly as a reserved, thoughtful person. Class of 1943 secretary, Mrs. Laws adds, “Our whole class has always gotten along well together. In 1956 we started holding reunions, and they keep voting to have them every five years!”
A favorite high school teacher, Warren “Doc” Harmon got the athlete interested in math, chemistry and physics, which became Jack’s favorite subjects.
Few remember Jack without also mentioning his girl – Lola Daniels.
“Steadies” all through High School, John and Lola were married in 1945 while he was home on furlough from the service.