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JAMES FRANCES KOCH 1936 - 2018
DELMAR – James Frances Koch. 81, passed away Saturday, August 25, 2018 at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, NY.
Born in Hartford, CT on December 21, 1936, he was the son of the late Francis Xavier and Margaret (Whalen) Koch. Jim received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master's degree in History from the University of Connecticut, where he met and married the love of his life Lois Ann (Grezel) Koch. The two were married for over 60 years. Together with their two sons they enjoyed traveling the United States, Canada and the British Isles. He retired after 25 years as a teacher at Norwich Regional Vocational Technical School. A longtime resident of Lyme, CT, Jim was very active civically serving as Selectman and on several committees including the Conservation and Inland Wetlands Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and Open Space Committee.
Jim's passion about the natural world was expressed in his photography and his activism. In his travels he avidly photographed birds and wild flowers. Working with his wife Lois and others he created the Potapaug Audubon Chapter of the National Audubon Society, serving as its first president along with several offices over the years. He also served as president of the Audubon Council of Connecticut.
Along with his wife Lois Ann, survivors include his sons, Michael and his partner Elizabeth Seale of Hobart, NY and Paul and his wife Dianna of Delmar as well as their children, his cherished grandsons, Noah Xavier and Liam James; sisters, Margaret Wiernasz of Rocky Hill, CT, Rita Sclafani (Sal) of Washington, DC, and Gretchen Koch of Middletown, CT. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, John E., Jerome W. and Joseph E. Koch.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, September 22 from 2 to 3 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A Memorial Service will follow the visitation at 3 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lyme, CT Land Trust, Schoharie, NY Land Trust or the Nature Conservancy.
www.applebeefuneralhome.com
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Jim was a warm, kind and very thoughtful department leader at Tech, unforgettable.
Maureen Shannon Bowers
Work
October 14, 2021
My condolences to Mister Koch family and friends. I was his student from the Class of 1963 at Norwich Tech. He was an example to us all. he and many of his fellow teachers produced good men and women through his efforts and example. Rest in Peace Mister Koch.
Ronald Ruffier
September 16, 2018
Ronald Ruffier
September 13, 2018
On behalf of the Middletown High School Class of 1954, we extend our deepest sympathy to your family on Jim's passing. He was a friend to many of his classmates and particular, his buddies from the north end of town. Those friendships continued through the years. He shared his talents willingly to reach out to his students, faculty and friends. Rest in peace dear friend.
September 12, 2018
My sincerest condolences to the Koch family. Mr. Koch was a great influence on me during my years at Tech. He was always ready to discuss anything. He was a fair and understanding man.
Bruce Bordner class of 1974
September 11, 2018
Rest in Peace Mr. Koch. Was terrific to have you as my teacher during the years 1963-1967 at Norwich Regional Vocational Technical School (i.e., Norwich Tech). I remember you as a very good person. My deepest sympathies to your family. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 11, 2018
Jim was a man who made you think. Dedicated to his teaching, he gave his students a clear view of history and how each individual can have an impact.
Rest in peace.
Dick Nicholas
September 11, 2018
Deepest sympathies to the family
Rest in Peace Mr. Koch
Norwich Tech Class of 1980
September 11, 2018
One of the finest teachers at Tech. Always thee when you needed him. RIP Mr. Koch
Jim Babek Houston Tx.
class of 66
September 10, 2018
Mr Koch, you were one outstanding teacher. You were my teacher at Norwich Tech in the late 80's. I'm A Tacher now (physics) in a Maryland HS. Part of you is with me everyday as I teach the students. My condolences to the family.
September 10, 2018
Mr Koch was my social stidies teacher at Norwich Tech and I'll never forget him.
He was one of my favorite teachers.
(class of 1966)
Eugene Beebe
September 9, 2018
Koch Family, Mr. Koch was my Social Studies teacher at Norwich Tech. Easy going great guy. One of the best. During high school I went to NYC and Mayor Koch was running for Mayor, I took a campaign sticker and when got back to NT I stealthily stuck it "WHY KOCH" on his classroom door. When he found out it was I who did it, we had quite a laugh. GOD bless a real educator and gentleman. Without his tutorship I never would have become a Norwich Police Sgt, and Special State Police officer.
Bud Avdevich
September 9, 2018
Lois,
I was so sad to read of Jim's passing. May his memory be a blessing to you. RIP Jim.
Arlene Pollack
September 9, 2018
Lois, my condolences to you and your family on the passing of Jim.
Joe Stefon
Joseph Stefon
September 8, 2018
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