J. J. Evans

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J.J. was James Evans, Jr., a fictional character on the American TV series "Good Times." He often referred to himself as Kid Dyn-O-Mite. J.J. was portrayed by Jimmie Walker (Born June 25, 1947 in The Bronx, New York), a stand-up comedian who in his professional life is often referred to as Jimmie "J.J." Walker, after his best-known character.

Easily identifiable because of his skinny structure and jive-talking personality, J.J. (called simply "Junior" by his father and "James Junior" in the first episode by his mother) was a notorious ladies man, or at least he liked to give the impression that he was one. His girlfiends included Henrietta, Boom-Boom, Samantha, Diana (who was a heroin addict), and other girls who made brief appearances.

James Evans, Jr. was born in 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to Florida & James Evans, Sr.. He grew up in a poverty section of Chicago, in a cold water flat. His mother, Florida, worked as a maid while J.J.'s father James worked at various jobs. His sister Thelma, was born in 1957. They still lived in the same apartment.

After J.J.'s younger brother was born, his family finally moved out of the water flat and into a housing project development, thanks in part to James's friendship with Alderman Fred C. Davis. It was in a poor African-American section where unemployment was at its heaviest. James Sr. worked at several jobs to keep his family in a home he could afford.

As J.J. grew up, he found an interest in painting. He was very good at it and carried it on throughout his developing life. He painted a number of paintings and sold them as well. He had a number of patrons to help him out.

J.J. was often known for his running battle with his sister Thelma Evans. He often made disparaging remarks about her cooking talents or lack thereof. Despite this, he did love his sister. He also tried to look after his brother Michael, but level-headed Michael was more wise to him than J.J. understood.

After his father's death, he became the man of the house. Although how he handled things was questionable, he really meant well. He was also instrumental in meeting Penny Gordon Woods who was subsequently adopted by their neighbor, Willona Woods after Penny's mother abandoned her.

He also had a running battle, as did the rest of his family, with the dim-witted and unpleasant building super, Nathan Bookman, whom he called "Buffalo Butt".

J.J.'s three best friends were Poppo, Cool Breeze, and Head. Collectively, the quartet referred to themselves as "The Awesome Foursome". Later, J.J., Poppo, and Head became "The Gleesome Threesome." Cool Breeze was forgotten.

At the end of the series, he became a comic book artist with an ongoing series thus ensuring he would gainfully employed with his art for the foreseeable future.

In one episode J.J. hopes to become white in order to get a job promotion-and gets his wish!