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James Berger Koch

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Loyola University Chicago Northwestern University

FUNERAL HOME

Cremation Society of Illinois, Inc. Funeral Service Center - Chicago

6471 N. Northwest Hwy

Chicago, Illinois

James Koch Obituary

James Berger Koch, 66, of Wilmette. Loving husband and adoring father; attorney who argued twice before the U.S. Supreme Court, and past President of New Trier School Board; passed away peacefully at the stroke of midnight, August 4, 2018. Jim earned his B.S. in political science from Loyola University, his J.D. from Chicago- Kent College of Law, and served as an Assistant State's Attorney before founding the law firm of Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona. He later earned a M.S. in education from Northwestern University. He served as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University's School of Law and its Graduate School of Education and Policy. Jim previously taught economics at Latin School of Chicago and served on the Executive Committee and Board of Governors for the North Suburban Special Education District. Beloved husband of 38 years to Susan Hatfield Koch, M.D., devoted father of Andrew (Lauren) and David (Chelsea Wegner) Koch, proud grandfather of Addison and Emerson Koch, dear uncle of Brendan and Emily Koch, Amy (Doug) Johnson and Eric (Kate) Hatfield. He will be deeply missed by his faithful companion Tusker, his yellow lab. Preceded in death by parents Jerome Louis Koch and Harriet Rose Koch (nee Berger) and his late brother Robert. Memorial service to be held August 25 at 10:00 a.m. in Foundation Hall at the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette. For more information, please see Jim's page on Caringbridge.org. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058.

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Published by PL-North from Aug. 9 to Aug. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for James Koch

13 Entries

Pamela Rekar

May 13, 2019

Just saw that Jim passed in my IIT magazine - I was a classmate at Kent and had not seen him since. Through the years, as I saw mention of his name, I thought fondly of him. He was a bright light, always calm, always helpful. He left us too early. Peace to his family. He was a good man.

Bernard Sherman

February 2, 2019

He had s calming demeanor that turned chaos away and seemed to always find reason In the midst of insanity RIP Jim you were a righteous man

Scott Wolf

September 8, 2018

Jim, was more than just a lawyer. I felt he was a friend. The articles on him talked about his quick wit. That's the understatement. My deepest condolences to the family. I will light a candle for him. God bless his soul.

Anne

August 25, 2018

Jim helped me in a time of need for no reason at all except the kindness in his own heart. I have never forgotten it. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Timothy Dohrer

August 17, 2018

Jim Koch was an incredible human being who dedicated himself to helping others. He was such a supporter of me and my career at New Trier. I personally witnessed him giving 100% of his energy and life to the students, staff, and parents at New Trier during his time with the School Board. He also taught students at Latin School and at Northwestern in our graduate program. I didn't know him as a lawyer but I know he was deeply committed to using the law as a way of making people's lives better. Most importantly, he was a model husband, father, and family member. A light has gone out in the world...

George Zelcs

August 17, 2018

Susan and family - I knew Jim as a classmate and colleague practicing law. There are plenty of stories that I could share but, perhaps, the best way to convey my feelings is this: everytime I think of Jim, a smile appears on my face. He was a person with a remarkable mix of empathy, courage and intellect and his life offered him a stage where he displayed all of those characteristics. I will never lose that smile. My condolences to you and your family.

Tina Cetnar

August 12, 2018

Dear Susan, I am sorry for your suffering. I hope you are surrounded by family and friends in this time of need.

August 11, 2018

I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4

Jim Jennings & Oliver

Jim Jennings

August 10, 2018

Never knew either Jim or Susan well enough. Always glad to know they were right across the street and always enjoyed their wonderful brains. This is much too soon for Jim and he has been far too good a man to wrap it up this early. Thankful we knew him as long as we did. We won't forget this fabulous guy! We'll be in touch!

Rick Levy

August 9, 2018

We have lost a lovely neighbor, friend and fellow dog lover. Our sincerest condolences to his wonderful family.

Rick and Bev Levy

August 9, 2018

Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. I hope that words such those found at John 6:40 bring you comfort at this difficult time. CR

Barbara Hatfield

August 8, 2018

True best friend to family.i will miss his candid personality. Love you.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results