WYNOT — James “Jim” Koch, 77, Wynot, died peacefully in his sleep Oct. 26, 2024, at the Norfolk Veterans Home, Norfolk.

Visitation was Oct. 30 at the Opsahl- Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, S.D.

Funeral services were Oct. 31 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, with Pastor Kwen Sanderson officiating.

Burial followed at Sts. Philip and James Catholic Cemetery, St. James.

James Jerome Koch was born at Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, Sept. 30, 1947, to Herman and Laura (Promes) Koch, Wynot. Except for his time in military service, he lived his entire life in the country by Wynot. He was a Vietnam veteran, and a proud member of the VFW and the American Legion. He graduated from Saint James grade school and was a 1966 graduate of Wynot High School.

He enjoyed going to farm sales and auctions. Horses were a big part of his life. As a child, he learned how to drive a team of horses, and was always a horse owner. He provided care for his parents so they were able to remain in their home where they raised their nine children. He did this for a period of more than 12 years.

He is survived by seven siblings, Mary Koch, Yankton, S.D.; Ed (Donna) Koch, Fordyce; David (Linda) Koch, Wynot; Eugene Koch, Fremont; Ann (David) Arens, Crofton; Ralph Koch, Waxahachie, Texas; and Howard (Jackie) Koch, Waxahachie, Texas; paternal aunts, Phyllis Koch, Coleridge; Mavis Koch, Wynot; and Irene Peitz, Orland, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joe; and many uncles, aunts and cousins on both sides.