James R. Koch, 69, passed away February 16, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Port Jefferson, Long Island, NY, on June 28, 1956, the 9th of 10 children of John W. and Catherine M. (Hatch) Koch. 

James was predeceased by his parents; sister Karen Jacobi (Pat); brother Billy Koch (Suzie); brother John Koch (Gerri); nephew Paul Child; niece Patti Ann Holland (Marcus); brother-in-law Charlie Clark (Catherine); brother-in-law Dennis Vasquez (Patti). 

He is survived by his husband of 34 years Richard Hughey, sisters; Catherine Ripple, Linda Weissen (Gary), Patti Vasquez, Susan Koch, Laurie Sergio (Mike), brother; Kevin Koch, and many loved nieces and nephews, and several cherished cousins. 

James was most recently employed by Fastenal (Chambersburg) at JLG (Shippensburg). He enjoyed big family gatherings, and tolerated yard work and excessive Christmas decorating. He looked forward to Saturday morning coffee with neighbors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in James' name may be made to Antietam Humane Society where we found our Zoey. https://antietamhumanesociety.org/donate/

A celebration of life will be held on June 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at the Zullinger Community Center, 4569 Buchanan Trail E, Waynesboro, PA 17268.