Obituary of James Koch

KOCH JAMES

James ”Jim” Koch, age 77 of Wynot, NE, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Norfolk Veterans Home, Norfolk, NE.  Visitation will be Wednesday October 30, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton. Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton with Pastor Kwen Sanderson officiating. Burial will be follow at approximately 1:00 pm at Saints Philip and James Catholic Cemetery in St. James, NE. Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. 

James Jerome Koch was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota, on September 30, 1947,  to Herman and Laura (Promes) Koch of Wynot, Nebraska.  Except for his time in military service, he lived his entire  life in the country by Wynot, Nebraska.  He was a Vietnam veteran, and a proud member of the VFW and the American Legion.  He graduated from Saint James grade school,  and was a graduate of Wynot High School in 1966.

He enjoyed going to farm sales, and auctions.  Horses were a big part of his life.  As a child, he learned how to drive a team of horses, and was always a horse owner.  He provided care for his parents so that they were able to remain in their home  where they raised their nine children.  He did this for a period of more than 12 years.

He is survived by seven siblings:  Mary Koch of Yankton, SD,  Ed (Donna) Koch of Fordyce, Nebraska, David (Linda) Koch of Wynot, Nebraska, Eugene Koch of Fremont, Nebraska, Ann (David) Arens of Crofton, Nebraska, Ralph Koch of Waxahachie, Texas and Howard (Jackie) Koch of Waxahachie, Texas.   Paternal aunts Phyllis Koch of Coleridge,  Nebraska,  Mavis Koch of Wynot, Nebraska and Irene Peitz of Orland California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joe, and many uncles,  aunts and cousins on both sides.