Jerome Koch – Obituary

by Lynn McMillen
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Jerome Koch

Jay Koch was surrounded by his wife and daughter when he lost his battle to cancer on May 22, 2017. He was preceded in death by his father John W. Koch and his mother Bernardine Nix Koch. He is survived by his wife Marlene Veal Koch and daughter Marissa Koch, his brother Brendan Koch (Peggy Straight Koch) of Parma, Ohio, and his sister Rita Phillips of Costa Mesa, California, and hundreds of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Jay had a long career in the aerospace industry. He was raised in Payne, Ohio, where his parents were bee keepers. He served 4 years in the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam War and landed in California upon the conclusion of his military service. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Cal State Fullerton and promptly began his career. He was often seen playing tennis, making or fixing something, or going backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and catching trout. Jay also grew vegetables on his patio – always a farmer at heart!

After marrying Marlene, he moved to Alabama where he could grow a large garden. He also began volunteering at the Alabama Science & Engineering Fair on behalf of Boeing and the National Youth Science Camp in West Virginia, where he was an alumni recipient in 1968.

Jay enjoyed watching Marissa play volleyball, tennis, and other activities. He was very proud of his daughter. He was always ready and willing to host a backyard BBQ pool party, frequently grilling his famous ribs.

Jay will be missed by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jay Koch to the National Youth Science Foundation in West Virginia (P.O. Box 3387, Charleston, WV 25333; 304-205-9724 or www.nysf.com) or Clearview Cancer Institute (3601 CCI Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805).

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