James Robert Koch, 90, passed away on September 6, 2021 from complications of heart and kidney failure. His final days were spent at home surrounded by his greatly loved family members.
Jim was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where he grew up as the only child of his widowed mother and was nurtured by a network of caring relatives. When he was 15, he met “Kitty” (Lorraine), who was to become the love of his life. Jim attended Purdue University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, was a member of the Naval ROTC, and Delta Upsilon fraternity. The fraternity stories are best left untold!
In 1953, Jim and Kit married in Pensacola and he began his Navy career as a naval aviator. He became a flight instructor and was in command of large seaplanes such as the Marlin. Jim enjoyed many overseas deployments where he developed a fondness for world cuisines and practiced his photography. His Kodachrome slides were later used in several of his oldest daughter’s school reports.
Jim and Kit started their family in 1954 and moved several times between Navy bases. Jim left the Navy, worked briefly for Lockheed in California, then moved to Clearwater, Florida where he began his life-long career with Honeywell. By 1962, they had four children and Jim was excitedly working in the space program building guidance systems for the various rockets, and later the space shuttle. In their spare time, the family enjoyed boating, fishing and playing with the squirrels in the beautifully landscaped yard that Jim and Kit created. Church was an important part of the family’s life and Jim served his church in many capacities over the years.
In 1976, Jim transferred to Honeywell’s Minneapolis commercial aviation division and became the vice president of operations. Later, he and Kit lived in Vienna and Munich for several years while he was in charge of joint ventures between the U.S. and her world partners. In the early 90’s, Jim and Kit retired to Tarpon Springs, Florida and moved into a home custom built by their son. Jim was an excellent craftsman who enjoyed woodworking and building furniture. Together, he and Kit took up golfing, traveled, were cooking partners, and remained very active in their church and its related social groups. Jim was an avid reader, burning out several Kindles, and actively followed political commentary on TV.
Jim is survived by Kit, his wife of nearly 68 years, daughters Patti Rackstein (Andrew), Susie Wilder, and Barbara Stiner (Nelson), son Bob (Rhonda), nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many special friends.
Jim’s family wishes to extend special thanks to his long-time physician and cardiologist, Dr. Joseph Schwartz and office staff, Michelle, Danielle, Kathy and Kelly for extra special compassionate care, as well as to Dr. Dana Campbell, the best nephrologist, and his staff. Additionally, Morton Plant Hospital and BayCare Home Health provided excellent and caring support throughout the family’s journey.
A private family service will be held on November 6, 2021. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org .
Susanne Ratner
September 15, 2021, 6:39 pm
Barbara,
What beautiful pictures of a life well lived. Praying for you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
SusanneLynnRatner
Gerard Leigh, AKA Gman
September 15, 2021, 6:46 pm
My condolences to your family, an to have known Jim for many years. Prayers and Peace and Love to the family 💕🙏🙏
Penny Mason Reedy
September 15, 2021, 6:54 pm
I am so sorry for your loss, I remember your dad well as our neighbor growing up. He was such a sweet man and loved by all. I know he will be greatly missed.
Deborah Doering
September 15, 2021, 8:21 pm
I Can Only Imagine is a song with lyrics that will bless your hearts knowing your husband and father, grandpa and friend is enjoying Jesus face to face….the wonder and splendor of heaven must be beyond words. My heart cries over your loss, but what a long and full life was lived by Jim! You have wonderful memories and stories and lots and lots of photos to remember Jim and the love you all share together. As you heal, I pray you can share those special memories together and celebrate Jim and your lives as a family, I pray Holy Spirit will comfort each of you in a special way and minister to your hurting hearts. You will see him again because of the price Jesus paid for all of us to be a part of God’s family. Blessings of God’s Shalom peace.❤️
Diane W Coe
September 16, 2021, 2:30 am
To Kit, Patti, Susie, Barb, and Bobby,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Jim was a wonderful, kindhearted Christian man, and I know his presence will be missed by all.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”. Psalm 34:18.
May you find some degree of comfort in all of the special memories you all have shared with Jim.
With Love,
Diane
Janet Doe
September 16, 2021, 3:59 am
So ver sorry for your loss 🙁 what a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. May God bless you all as you grieve his loss.
Nan and Greg Brosius
September 16, 2021, 9:55 am
Deepest condolences to the entire family. Praying for your comfort in the days ahead.
Barbara Larrimore
September 16, 2021, 2:06 pm
Dear Kit and family
We send our condolences to all the family.It was a great pleasure to know such a wonderful Christian man. He had a great wit also and usually made whomever he was with laugh and feel at ease. Kit and Jim’s hospitality was outstanding as they opened their home to many. We will miss you Jim. May God give comfort to Kit and the family. Love Barbara and Ben
Stacey
September 16, 2021, 2:26 pm
Dear Susie,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have been the most wonderful daughter and your father was and is very proud of you. I believe your father will always be with you in your heart and wants you to be happy. I’m sending you my positive thoughts, prayers, love, and support.
❤️🌹Stacey xoxo
Jerry & Sylvia
September 16, 2021, 2:42 pm
We have many fond memories of Jim and Kit. We are sorry for Kit’s and our loss but rejoice in the assurance of his eternal destiny
Darrough & Linda Diamond
September 16, 2021, 3:01 pm
We had countless fun and happy occasions with Jim and Kit and will miss Jim immensely. Blessings to Kit and the family!
Larry Pribyl
September 16, 2021, 5:44 pm
I had the pleasure of working for Jim in Honeywell’s Commercial Aviation MPLS. One of the best times of my career. Jim was a super leader. Caring, fun, hard working and visionary. Those were good days due to Jim and the team he put together.
HOMER and Dolina BOIS
September 16, 2021, 5:56 pm
We send our condolences to you and your family, Kit. May God bless and comfort you.
Homer and Dolina
Stephen M. Wilder
September 16, 2021, 7:53 pm
Dear Kit, Patti, Susie, Barbara and Bobbie,
Debbie and I extend our deepest sympathies. Jim was a wonderful, kind and caring Christian man. Reading his obit reminded us what a special, accomplished man he was, and that his was a life well-lived.
May you find comfort knowing that he is now in the arms of his Savior, and find grace in this time of need.
Steve and Debbie Wilder
Jean Henke
September 16, 2021, 11:08 pm
Barb and family, my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Your dad was a very special father. I can see were you got your love for photography. Coming from an aviation family, that served in Pensacola, during World War II. My older brother Carl was born there. I am sure my Dad and your father would have enjoyed talking. I look toward to meeting your Dad in heaven. He sounds like a person, I would enjoy. LOL
Simone Greatorex
September 17, 2021, 1:25 pm
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family. will be in my prayers.
HOMER and Dolina BOIS
September 17, 2021, 4:00 pm
We send our condolences to you and your family, Kit. May God bless and comfort you.
Tom & Jane Marinelli
September 19, 2021, 7:51 pm
We are so sorry for your family’s loss, Patti. Sending healing thoughts for you all. Your Dad exemplifies life well lived!
Kris Piazza
September 24, 2021, 3:35 pm
Dear Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your Dad/husband.
He will always be in your heart and all those great memories !!
Love, Mike & Kris Piazza
Regina Luciano
October 20, 2021, 2:43 pm
We send our condolences to you and your family. We found his life story to be beautiful, he lived an exciting and fulfilling life.