‘Life of the party’: Sydney publicist farewelled after sudden death

There was laughter, and sadness, as Sydney publicist Jai Evans — found dead in his apartment earlier this month — was been remembered by family and friends at an emotional yet uplifting Celebration of Life.

Prominent Sydney publicist Jai Evans has been remembered by family and friends at an emotional yet uplifting Celebration of Life.

Evans, 43, was found dead in his luxury Sydney apartment in Darlinghurst earlier this month.

The celebration was held at Woronora Memorial Park in Sutherland and — true to Evans’ fabulously colourful personality — there were moments of laughter and joy interspersed with much sadness at his untimely passing.

Mourners entered the chapel to Sarah McLachlan’s reflective In The Arms Of An Angel while the service ended with an unexpected high in Right Said Fred’s pop dance hit I’m Too Sexy.

The late Jai Evans with model and TV personality Simone Holtznagel.

Mariah Carey’s One Sweet Day accompanied a photographic tribute of Evans’ life played for those there in person and many others streaming online.

Evans, born January 28, 1981, was one of three children, leaving behind sisters Kim and Tracey and beloved nephews Sean, Jordan, Jett and Finn.

Mum Rana spoke of Evan’s love of acting and dancing while nephew Sean described his uncle as “the life and energy of the family”.

“He could make you laugh, make you angry, happy and love him all at the same time.”

Celebration of Life for Jai Evans.

Nephew Jordan said he looked up to his uncle from an early age “figuratively and literally”.

“I absorbed every essence of his upbeat, creative, passionate and energetic aura like a sponge,” he said.

“Jai was someone who couldn’t not make an entrance. His presence was captivating, intoxicating and unforgettable to both those who knew him and those who didn’t.”

Actors Axle Whitehead and Jodi Gordon, along with PR and marketing guru Tiffany Farrington were among those paying respects to the well-known publicist.

Prior to his death, Evans represented popular Married At First Sight couple Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis, and he was once close friends with Lara Worthington and the late Charlotte Dawson.

The late Jai Evans at the opening night of Double Bay’s Bluebeat with Deni Hines.

The late Jai Evans and Scott Gooding at the Camp Quality Dine at Mine Campaign Launch held at Ananas at The Rocks.

He founded his own company, Evans Media, in 2005 and worked with hundreds of brands developing PR strategies. He also ran his own candle business, Sydney Fragrance Co.

He was considered a man of many trades, and throughout his career worked in ad­vertising and strategist as a publicist, magazine publisher and editor.