James Forrest Koch

James Forrest Koch
August 17, 1946 – September 13, 2021

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory…” – 2 Corinthians 4:17, NKJV

James Forrest Koch often quoted this verse. It was one of his many ways of reminding
those he loved that the pain of this life is temporal, and an eternity to be with Jesus is the
reward of all who have surrendered their will and life to Christ. On Monday, September
13th, 2021, Jim (Forrest) stepped into the glory of God, laying aside the light momentary
afflictions of this life.

Jim was a hero—not just to his family, but to his friends, to those he served on a daily basis,
to his country, and to those whose lives he saved. He is to be remembered above all,
though, as a man whose love for Jesus governed every moment of his life.

Jim served in the United States Army from September 1969 to November 1971. His time in
Vietnam earned him a Bronze Star Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam
Service Medal, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Purple Heart. He was a
sharpshooter of the M-16.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Jim took college classes from his hospital bed. He carried the
honors program flag for his graduating class. As a Certified Public Accountant, Jim’s
entrepreneurial spirit thrived as he built and sold multiple companies, dedicating himself to
the clients whom he encouraged to follow their dreams. He took his middle name, Forrest,
for business use when he entered a partnership with a James, Jim, and Jimmy.

Forrest was saved in Christ by the grace of God through faith on his oldest daughter’s
second birthday, a story he loved to tell. From that day forward, he consistently pointed
others to Jesus. Forrest was a man committed to his wife of 30 years—the love of his life,
Pam. He loved his children and his grandchildren deeply. We, in turn, all loved him so very
much.

We do not grieve as those without hope. We remember that the Apostle Paul follows the
verse that Jim favored with:

“…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the
things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (vs. 18)

We know that on the evening of September 13 th , Forrest heard the words, “Well done, good
and faithful servant.” We know, too, that his prayer was that everyone he knew will hear
those words one day as well. Do not be sorry for us—we are not sorry for the great blessing
of knowing and loving James Forrest Koch. He was truly a gift from God.