James Henry Kocher, 80, of Norwalk, Ohio, surely heard the Lord say "well done good and faithful servant" after passing from this life to the next, on January 25, 2021 unexpectedly. He was born on August 4, 1940 in Norwalk to the late Everett and Lavina (Weisenberger) Kocher. Jim was a 4th generation Flyer, graduating from the school he loved, St. Paul High School in 1958.

You would be hard pressed to find a more honest and faithful individual than Jim Kocher. He served his country as part of the United States Air Force and was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, where he enjoyed fishing and bird hunting outside the base every free moment. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing with friends in Canada, deer and squirrel hunting and was a nationally recognized trap shooter. In recent years he adored being Papa and helping his grandson fish.

He and his loving wife of 50 years, Carol (Murray) Kocher, owned and operated "The Outdoorsman" sporting goods store in Norwalk for 24 years. Since retiring, he was able to spend much time with his family in Wyoming, was an avid reader, sold hunting and fishing collectibles on eBay weekly and tended to his honey bees and yard.

Jim and Carol were inducted into the St. Paul Hall of Fame for their years of service to the school and church. He was instrumental in building the Convocation Center and served as their treasurer for 20 years. Jim loved attending St. Paul athletic events and was part of the original, "Monroe Street Dog Pound." He was a proud Rotarian and lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

In addition to his wife Carol, Jim is survived by their daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Anderson of Etna, Wyoming; grandson, Justin; sister, Sally Kocher and brother, Tom (Ann) Kocher.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Guests are reminded to wear a mask and practice all social distancing and mass gathering guidelines. Guests should be prepared for the possibility of waiting outside if current reduced capacity limits are reached until there is adequate room inside for more guests to enter the home. A funeral mass will be held the following day, Monday, February 1, 2021 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main St., Norwalk beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Fr.

Ron Brickner officiating. Those unable to attend may watch the mass via the livestream link on the Parish website: www.stpaulchurch.org

A private family inurnment is being planned for another day with military honors to commemorate Jim's service to our country. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Norwalk Catholic Schools, 93 E. Main St. Norwalk, O.H. 44857, in care of Martin Linder. Online condolences to the family may be expressed by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com

Norwalk Catholic School "Soaring to New Heights" Campaign
93 East Main Street, Norwalk OH 44857