James was born in Somerset, Kentucky November 30, 1947, the son of Frieda Couch. He married Kathi Mallard in Columbus December 31, 2001.
He was a retired machinist having worked at Cummins Engine Co. and Reliance Electric. He was a member of Lakeview Church of Christ, V.F.W., American Legion and Columbus Moose Lodge. He loved to play softball and was a member of a two time world championship team. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Forrestal during the Vietnam War.
He is survived by his wife, Kathi Couch of Columbus; children, Jamie (Jason) Branum of Columbus, Dr. Joshua Taylor of Portland Ore. and Jessica (Derrick) Melton of Columbus ; brothers, Greg (Kathy) Hall of Cincinnati, Ohio and Gary Hall of Columbus; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother; First wife, Mary Sue Couch.
A funeral service will be conducted Noon Monday, December 20, 2021, at Myers~Reed Chapel on 25th Street with Lee Wildman and Dixon Churchill officiating. Visitation will be 2 ~ 5 p.m. Sunday and from 11 a.m. Monday to service time.
Burial with military rites by the Bartholomew County Veterans Color Guard will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in Edinburgh. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-reed.com.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Myers~Reed Chapel is assisting the Couch family.
