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James Koch Obituary

James Jim Theodore Koch, 68, of San Antonio, Texas, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 13, 2008, from heart disease. Viewing will be from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road. Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at La Trinidad Methodist Church, 300 San Fernando in San Antonio. Jim Koch was born to Walter Roosevelt and Gertrude Virginia Koch on Dec. 4, 1939, in Austin, Texas. His father was an attorney and former assistant district attorney for the state of Texas, and his mother was involved in numerous community organizations in Austin. His grandfather, Theodore Frederick Koch, founded the Minnesota town of Clara City (named after his wife) in 1888, and the South Texas town of Riviera in 1907. Jim Koch married Sylvia Chapa on May 26, 1973, at La Trinidad Methodist Church in San Antonio. Jim Koch graduated high school from The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, N.J., in 1958. He earned his bachelor's degree in international affairs from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in 1962. He earned a master's degree in education from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1977 and a Master of Business Administration from Pan American University (now the University of Texas-Pan American) in Edinburg in 1986. He also studied Portuguese at the University of Texas at Austin, spending six months studying in Brazil. He served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer from 1966-68. A retired public school teacher, Jim Koch taught Spanish in San Antonio, Houston, Pharr and Needville. He was a volunteer with the Boys Scouts of America for 12 years. He was a dedicated activist for the Democratic Party and won the Democratic Party nomination for Texas state representative in District 26 in Fort Bend County but lost in the general election. He was also an activist for various environmental causes. He enjoyed translating Portuguese poetry, getting his translations of the Brazilian poet Manuel Bandeira published in the literary journal, The Dirty Goat, in 2006. He is survived by his wife; daughter Anita Marie Keese and her husband, Andrew, of Harlingen, Texas; son Walter Martin Koch of San Antonio, Texas; step-son Richard Nieto and his wife, Veronica, and children Lauren and Rachel of Waelder, Texas; and sisters Betty Burchard of Cupertino, Calif., and Virginia Schilz of Austin, Texas, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salvation Army. Please visit www.mem.com for an online memorial and tributes. Sunset Northwest Funeral Home.


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Published by San Antonio Express-News on Feb. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Koch

Sponsored by Anita Keese, Daughter.

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David & Denise Espino MD

March 1, 2008

Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Dave Wilson

February 28, 2008

I was really sorry to hear about Jim. I met him, through Roger Rhodes, in New York City, and had a great time with him. My prayers are with you.

Host Publications

February 25, 2008

We published Jim's translations and poetry and had the great joy to have him visit us in New York and do readings of his works. He was talented, delightful and a joy to work with. We will miss him.

Dina Wilson

February 24, 2008

Sylvia,
We are saddened by Jim's sudden death. I'm sorry we were not able to be in San Antonio for the funeral but I wanted you to know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you all can take comfort in all your memories of Jim and how much he did for others. God bless you all.

Connie Cattell

February 24, 2008

Dear Sylvia,
My family was so sorry to hear about Jim. Since we had just had a nice visit with him in Tulsa it came as quite a shock to all of us. You and your whole family remain in our prayers. Connie Peters Cattell and family

Stewart Park

February 19, 2008

Dear Koch Family,
I am so sorry that I was unable to join the rest of the family in mourning Jim's passing. It is never a good time when death separates us from a loved one, and Jim's passion and sense of humor will be missed. We have wonderful memories to share, but there is no replacing the real person. He was his own man, and was intensely loyal to his family. He went all out for whatever he believed in - mediocrity was not in Jim's vocabulary. Kerry and I offer our sympathy to Sylvia, Anita and Walter, as well as Budge and Betty, and the rest of the family. May our God of all comfort give you His peace as you grieve. With love, Stew

Bob and Jan Park

February 18, 2008

We are shocked to hear of Jim's passing. He was only 3 months older than me! I'm so sorry distance prevented a closer relationship with the Koch clan. Sylvia, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Hector Martinez

February 17, 2008

Sylvia,
I do want you to know that my prayers and heart goes out to you and your family for the lost of your husband Jim. I pray that your friends and anyone who mean a lot to you give you the support you need during this emotionally difficult time. Remember Sylvia, when you feel that you most alone...God will be there for you. May God comfort you and your family with his blessings.
Hector Martinez

Beverly Calvert

February 17, 2008

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I know you will miss him.
Beverly and Kristen Calvert

Bobby & Denise Caldwell

February 17, 2008

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

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