James Evans is the patriarch the Evans family. Despite being a veteran of the Korean War, deeply committed to doing whatever it takes to provide for his family, hard-working and honest, James can only seem to find poor-paying manual-labor jobs because of his lack of a formal education. The difficulties he endures while keeping a roof over his family's head leave him dissatisfied with many government policies. Somehow, he maintains his dignity and is pillar of strength, even while struggling to raise his family amid the poverty of the Chicago projects. With his loving wife, Florida, by his side, James makes it a priority to teach responsibility and values to their three kids. Though his children are his pride and joy, they are often the roots of his angst. Between seeking employment, paying the rent and keeping food on the table, James manages to find the time to interrogate Thelma's dates, tune in to Michael's political arguments, and keep a close watch on J.J.'s increasingly shady antics.