Jim E. Koch 86, of Goodland, KS, formally of Gering, Nebraska, passed away Monday, September 20, 2021 in Goodland, KS with his daughter and son-in-law holding his hand. His special angel, Katie, and pup, Midget, also surrounded him. Visitation will be at 10 AM until the service time of 1 PM on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Gering Memorial Chapel. Pastor Tim Hebbert will officiate. The service will be livestreamed on the Gering Memorial Chapel facebook page. Interment with military honors by the Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard and the Gering Sons Of The American Legion Honor Guard will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial designations can be made to Northwest Kansas Animal Shelter, 6445 Road 21, Goodland, KS 67735. Online condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com
Jim was born October 12, 1934 in Douglas, WY to Lawrence and Geneva Whipple Harris Koch. He graduated from Gering High School with the class of 1952. He married Marilyn Johnson on March 3, 1974. Jim lived most of his life in Scottsbluff/Gering, but in June of 2021, he moved to Goodland, KS to be closer to his daughter and her family.
Jim drove truck over the road for 47 years, and acquired more than 3 million accident free miles. Companies that he drove for included the Lockwood Corporation, Nebraska Transport Company, and Northwestern Trucking Company. After retirement, he also drove during sugar beet harvest for farmers in Box Butte
County.
Jim belonged to the American Legion, Fraternal Order of the Elks, and was a past member of the Eagles Lodge.
Jim is survived by children Douglas James Koch of Miranda CA, Tracey (Frances) Koch of Victoria TX, Misty (Jeff) Powley of Goodland KS, and Shannon (Bill) Murray of Speersville, LA; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; brothers Dick Koch of Omaha NE and Paul (Connie) Koch of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; sister Martha Messersmith of Lincoln, NE; many nieces, nephews, friends, and special neighbors Tyler and Emily Weiss and children, and pup Midget (Gorda).
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilyn, brother Thomas "Tom" Koch, special friend Jane Carey, sister in law, Laverne Koch, and beloved dog Boo Boo.
Special thanks to Dr. Barnes, Taytum and Laurita of NW KareS Hospice, and Jessica Gittinger of Goodland Family Health Care for their amazing care of Dad.
