Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
James "Jim" W. Koch, 71, of Sandusky, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2015 in Stein Hospice Care Center after a lengthy illness.
He was born on July 22, 1943 in Sandusky to the late John and Bessie (George) Koch.
He was a "jack-of-all-trades," being self-taught in most things he did, including mechanics and construction. He also drove truck and retired from Akil, Inc.
Jim loved to play euchre and BINGO. He also loved to BBQ and cook. He was an avid racing fan, especially of the NHRA, and loved to attend Norwalk Raceway. He also built and ran his own racing cars. But most of all, Jim loved to spend time with his family.
Jim is survived by his wife of 30 years, Judy (Gruhlke) Koch, whom he married on August 23, 1984; children, Lisa (Alvin) Koch Waggy, Kevin Wilson, Bernard (Cindy) Koch, John (Nikki) Koch, Sara Koch, Kelley Gruhlke, Carrie Koch, Becky Koch, Julie (Steven) Brant, and Adam Koch; special nephews, Mark (Kim) Gruhlke, Donald (Denise) Nemitz, and Chad Riggs; special niece, Chyna Riggs; 23 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Ruby (Donald) Reiman, Linda (Nick) Esposito, Teresa Oglesbee, and Joanne (Patrick) McMonigal.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Leigh Koch; sisters, Pauline Wriker, Betty Jewel Koch, and Dorothy Carol VanWy; and brothers, Junior, Bernard, Eugene, and Ralph Koch.
Friends may call on Thursday, March 19, 2015 from 4-7 P.M. at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, Sandusky. Funeral services will begin at 7 P.M. with Chaplain Mel Sayler officiating. Private burial will be on Friday in Oakland Cemetery. The family wishes to invite you to join them for a celebration of Jim's life at Emmanuel UCC, Sandusky, on Friday at 2:30 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's name to Firelands Dialysis Center, Attn.: Patient Transportation, 904 Pierce St., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting toftfh.com.
