James G. "Stretch" Koch

James Gerald Koch, son of Bernard F. Koch Jr. and Virginia T. (Adamski) Koch was born February 15, 1944 in Buffalo, New York. He departed this life January 9, 2023 in Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of seventy-eight years, ten months and twenty-five days.

On November 9, 1988 in Miami, Oklahoma, he was united in marriage to Mildred Louise Cox and was a beloved step-father of his newly found family. Together James and Mildred shared twenty-seven years of marriage until her passing in 2016.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mildred Koch and one son, Timmy Gannaway.

He is survived by three sons, Tony Gannaway & wife Kathy of Weston, Missouri, Floyd Gannaway of Cameron, Missouri, Ronnie Gannaway; two brothers, Richard R. Koch & wife Gail of Cumming, Georgia, Gerald R. Koch of Buffalo, New York. As well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

James was raised In Buffalo, New York and was a Graduate of McKinley High School and was trained in construction design and utility service technology. Shortly after graduation James enlisted in the United States Navy and was initially stationed for basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station on Lake Michigan in Illinois. James served the majority of his Naval career in the Philippines and Hawaii. James was certified in repair and maintenance of nuclear equipment and served in Vietnam. Twenty years of serving his country was one of his greatest accomplishments and talked of it with great pride.

James and Mildred moved to Missouri where James took a position overseeing the maintenance of a privately owned vacation and hunting organization for a few years until retirement.

He was a loving and a caring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00a.m., Tuesday January 17, 2023 in Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church of Climax Springs, Missouri. Burial will follow in Cable Ridge Cemetery, in Edwards, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10:00a.m. until time-of-service Tuesday, January 17, 2023 in Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.