James "Jim" Koetter

James "Jim" Koetter passed away peacefully at his home in Borden, Indiana, on February 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife Carol and his 3 daughters Julie, Kim and Tammy. Born on June 26, 1936, in Starlight, Indiana, to the late Julius and Elizabeth (Richart) Koetter, Jim's life was anchored in faith, devoted to family and dedicated to service. A devout Catholic, Jim was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Starlight. He served the church as an altar boy, lecturer, and active participant in the Men's Club and Parish Council. His dedication extended to his community as he chaired the Starlight Strawberry Festival and managed the festival's Raffle Booth for many years. Jim graduated from Flaget High School in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. His career in the hardware industry began in 1955 with Stratton & Terstegge Hardware Supply and later continued with Our Own Hardware, where he earned numerous accolades. He also co-owned several Western Auto Stores with trusted partners. A devoted family man, Jim cherished time spent with his loved ones. Whether camping, boating, fishing, winemaking, gardening, or woodworking, he brought joy to those around him. Known for his prayerful nature and strong faith, he attended Mass regularly wherever he was.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Carol; sisters Betty Sprigler, Patricia (Ken) Williams, and Carol Calandrino; daughters Julie (Chris) Coots, Kim (Scott) Fancher, and Tammy (Kirk) Krininger; and grandchildren Adam, Abby (Chase), Sean (Ema), Jami, Will, Kyle (Hayley), Kirstie (Ben), Kasey, Kole, and Kameron. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Margaret, Ruth, Lucille, Dorothy, and Janet; brothers Richard and John; and great-granddaughter Palmer.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the private caregivers whose exceptional care allowed Jim to spend his final years in comfort and dignity at home.
Visitation will be held from 2-7 PM on Friday, February 14th, at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church (8310 St Johns Rd., Floyds Knobs, IN).
Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Saturday, February 15th, at the church with burial and military honors to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim's memory to St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Starlight.
The service will be live streamed via https://www.facebook.com/StJohnStarlight