Today, I Lost My Father Again: The Legacy of Good Times’ James Evans on Black Boys

by Kenneth Braswell

In 1974, America was introduced to the Evans family on the television show Good Times. Set in the projects of Chicago, the show portrayed a Black family struggling to survive in a world of systemic poverty. Amidst the challenges, there was one constant: James Evans, played by John Amos. For many Black children, particularly those growing up in father-absent homes, James Evans was more than a character. He was the father we longed for but never had. And today, as I mourn the passing of John Amos, I can’t help but feel as though I’ve lost my father once again.

James Evans was no ordinary TV dad. He was strong, principled, and unyielding in his determination to provide for his family. Unlike many of the fathers who were absent from the homes of the children watching him, James Evans stood as a pillar of responsibility. His presence on screen resonated deeply with me and countless other young boys, especially those of us growing up without our biological fathers. 

As John Amos once said in an interview with Fathers Incorporated, “I always wanted James Evans to be the kind of father that would fight for his family no matter the odds. It’s about showing up, being there, and making sure our children know we have their back, even when times are tough.” (https://bit.ly/JamesEvansFI). His portrayal of James Evans echoed this sentiment — a father who was not only present but vigilant, protective, and deeply invested in the well-being of his children.

The impact of James Evans extended far beyond the screen. For many young Black boys, especially those like me who were raised in low-income, father-absent homes, he became a symbol of what fatherhood could and should be. Amos’s portrayal of James was a contrast to the negative stereotypes often perpetuated about Black fathers, particularly during a time when the Moynihan Report had painted a bleak picture of Black families, highlighting that only 35% of them had fathers present. Amos’s performance countered that narrative, showing that a Black man could be strong, dependable, and profoundly loving toward his family. He became the father we needed, even if only through the lens of our TV sets.

In a time when blaxploitation films dominated the media, often portraying Black men in negative and exaggerated ways, Good Times offered a different narrative. It was the story of a family, struggling but intact, led by a father who refused to let the world tear his family apart. Amos fought hard for this portrayal, even clashing with writers to ensure that his character stayed true to the struggles and strengths of Black fathers. 

When the writers of Good Times decided to kill off James Evans in the fourth season, it felt like we’d lost our father, too. I vividly remember that episode. When Florida Evans, played by Esther Rolle, received the news of James’ death, her grief-stricken cries of “Damn! Damn! Damn!” echoed the pain felt by so many of us. For Black boys like me, who saw James Evans as the father we never had, it was as if we had lost our father once again. That day, a piece of hope was taken from us. Amos’ departure from the show marked a shift in the narrative, and it would be years before we saw another strong Black father figure on television in the form of Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable.

As I reflect on John Amos’s passing, I am reminded of the power of representation. His portrayal of James Evans transcended the screen. It was a beacon of hope for young Black boys growing up in a world that often felt like it was working against them. James Evans showed us what it meant to be a man, to be a father, and to stand up for your family in the face of adversity.

In my work with Fathers Incorporated, James Evans’ legacy is always present. He set a standard for what fatherhood should look like — not just in Black homes but all homes. His commitment to his family, his unwavering sense of responsibility, and his love for his children are qualities we encourage in every father we work with. In the same way, John Amos fought for authenticity in his role on Good Times, we fight to ensure that Black fathers are seen, heard, and supported in their roles as providers and protectors.

I can’t help but think of the conversations I’ve had with fathers over the years — men who have struggled, much like James Evans, to keep their families afloat in a world that seems stacked against them. As I wrote in my book When the Tear Won’t Fall, “REAL MEN do cry. We cry a lot, and we cry often. Hopefully, through these insights, you will understand what is going through the mind of a man… when the tear won’t fall”.” This was the essence of James Evans — a man who, despite his struggles, refused to let his tears fall, holding onto his strength for the sake of his family.

Now, as we mourn John Amos’s death, let’s remember the impact he had on a generation of Black boys and fathers. Let’s honor his legacy by continuing to lift up Black fathers, providing them with the tools and resources they need to be present for their families and ensure that their stories are told with the authenticity and strength that Amos brought to the screen.

John Amos may no longer be with us, but James Evans’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who grew up watching him. He was more than just a character — he was a father to us all. As we move forward, we must ensure that his legacy of fatherhood, responsibility, and love remains a guiding light for future generations.

When I learned that he had passed, I lost my father again, but his spirit will continue to guide us through the work we do, through the fathers we uplift, and through the families we strengthen. Thank you, John Amos, for giving us James Evans and showing us what it means to be a father.