James Adren (Jim) Couch

July 31, 1929 – July 7, 2023

James Adren (Jim) Couch, 93, finished his course here on earth Friday, July 7, 2023. Jim was a faithful Christian man who loved and served his family, his church and his many friends and neighbors in DeKalb County Alabama and at Christian Care Center Mesquite Texas. Jim died peacefully of natural causes at his home.

Born in 1929, Jim was raised in farming communities in Sullivan County Missouri and graduated from Milan High School in 1947, where he lettered in football and was the staff writer for the school newspaper. Shortly after high school, he joined the United States Air Force.

In 1955, Jim met Doris Rose Burt and the two married in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Together they raised two sons, Tim and Steve, while living as a military family near bases in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Alabama, and North Carolina. Jim retired from the Air Force in 1971 and the family moved to Riverdale Georgia, where Jim worked for Delta Airlines. After retirement from Delta in the early 1990’s, Jim and Doris moved to Fort Payne, Alabama, where they lived until Doris passed away in 2019. Jim then moved to Texas to be near his son Tim and his family.

Jim put his Christian faith into action. he enjoyed being helpful and useful. He was the consummate handyman, having all the right tools and supplies, just at the right time. Wherever he and his family lived, Jim actively served in the life of the local church; Elder, Deacon and Bible teacher were among the many roles he played as a churchman. Jim was also an avid golfer and was very proud of making four hole-in-one’s over the course of his career.

Jim was particularly proud of his Country and his years in the Air Force as a specialist in aircraft armament systems. He received numerous commendations and completed tours of duty in Greenland, Iran, Ethiopia, Greece, Norway and Vietnam.

Jim is survived by:

Sons: Stephen Paul (Steve) Couch-Durham, NC & James Timothy (Tim) Couch and wife Pam Couch-Dallas, TX

Grandson: James Daniel Couch (Jennie)-Miami, FL

Granddaughter: Laura Nicole Couch Snead (Ben)-Plano, TX

Great-Grandchildren: Jackson Daniel (8), Olivia Jean (5) and Isabel Marie (2) Couch-Miami, FL & Charles Benjamin (Charlie) (6) and Leighton James Snead (2)-Plano, TX

Numerous Nieces & Nephews in Alabama, Michigan & Missouri

Preceded in death by:

Wife: Doris Rose Burt Couch

Parents: Charles Thomas (Charlie) & Mamie Alice Lawrence Couch

Siblings: Lawrence Thomas Couch, Loren William Couch, Anna Belle Williams, & Alice Charlene Baker

Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews

In lieu of flowers or gifts please send donations to: Christian Works for Children, Attention: GriefWorks 5440 Harvest Hill Road Suite#140 Dallas, TX 75230.

Visitation

Date of Visitation:

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Funeral

Date of Funeral: Monday, July 17, 2023

Funeral Location: Graveside Service at Gravel Hill Cemetery (14701 US-11 Fort Payne, AL 35967)

Funeral Time: 10:45 AM CST

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Burial

Date of Burial: Monday, July 17, 2023

Burial Location: Gravel Hill Cemetery with Full Military Honors

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3 entries.

Tim Mullican from Hermitage, TN wrote on July 31, 2023 at 2:34 pm

I met Jim when my wife and I began attending Riverdale Church of Christ in December 1985. I started to work with the FAA and was working in Hampton. He was an elder and although I was only 27, we became friends. He was a good man and I was sorry to learn of his passing when I got his birthday reminder on Facebook this morning. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Pat Centurione from Clinton Twp, MI wrote on July 15, 2023 at 1:01 pm

I am Jim's niece, the daughter of his sister Charlene. Although our families never lived near each other, Uncle Jim, my mother and Aunt AnnaBelle remained close. They called each other weekly and visited from time to time in Ohio, Missouri, Georgia, and Alabama.
I have many fond memories of those visits. My mother and aunt were so proud of their younger brother, and they appreciated the "consummate handyman"--he could fix just about anything, and they kept him busy. He could also adjust the 35mm camera that had my parents baffled! (He took great pictures.)
Aunt AnnaBelle and I drove to Fort Payne in the summer of 2009. Uncle Jim and Aunt Doris were wonderful hosts. We enjoyed seeing the sights around Fort Payne, including a performance of "12Angry Men" at the nearby community college. Mostly though, we talked, looked at pictures, and played cards. I treasure the memory of that visit.

Billy Wiles from Dayton Tennessee wrote on July 11, 2023 at 9:04 pm

I worked with Jim at Delta Airlines and lived in the same neighborhood. Jim was a good friend and fine man. I will always remember him with kindness.