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James Berger Koch, 66, of Wilmette. Loving husband and adoring father; attorney who argued twice before the U.S. Supreme Court, and past President of New Trier School Board; passed away peacefully at the stroke of midnight, August 4, 2018. Jim earned his B.S. in political science from Loyola University, his J.D. from Chicago- Kent College of Law, and served as an Assistant State's Attorney before founding the law firm of Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona. He later earned a M.S. in education from Northwestern University. He served as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University's School of Law and its Graduate School of Education and Policy. Jim previously taught economics at Latin School of Chicago and served on the Executive Committee and Board of Governors for the North Suburban Special Education District. Beloved husband of 38 years to Susan Hatfield Koch, M.D., devoted father of Andrew (Lauren) and David (Chelsea Wegner) Koch, proud grandfather of Addison and Emerson Koch, dear uncle of Brendan and Emily Koch, Amy (Doug) Johnson and Eric (Kate) Hatfield. He will be deeply missed by his faithful companion Tusker, his yellow lab. Preceded in death by parents Jerome Louis Koch and Harriet Rose Koch (nee Berger) and his late brother Robert. Memorial service to be held August 25 at 10:00 a.m. in Foundation Hall at the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette. For more information, please see Jim's page on Caringbridge.org. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058.
Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication from Aug. 9 to Aug. 12, 2018
August 25, 2018Jim helped me in a time of need for no reason at all except the kindness in his own heart. I have never forgotten it. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
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Anne
August 17, 2018Jim Koch was an incredible human being who dedicated himself to helping others. He was such a supporter of me and my career at New Trier. I personally witnessed him giving 100% of his energy and life to the students, staff, and parents at New Trier during his time with the School Board. He also taught students at Latin School and at Northwestern in our graduate program. I didn't know him as a lawyer but I know he was deeply committed to using the law as a way of making people's lives better. Most importantly, he was a model husband, father, and family member. A light has gone out in the world...
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Timothy Dohrer,
NORTHFIELD, Illinois
August 17, 2018Susan and family - I knew Jim as a classmate and colleague practicing law. There are plenty of stories that I could share but, perhaps, the best way to convey my feelings is this: everytime I think of Jim, a smile appears on my face. He was a person with a remarkable mix of empathy, courage and intellect and his life offered him a stage where he displayed all of those characteristics. I will never lose that smile. My condolences to you and your family.
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George Zelcs,
Barrington, Illinois
August 12, 2018Dear Susan, I am sorry for your suffering. I hope you are surrounded by family and friends in this time of need.
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Tina Cetnar,
Wilmette, Illinois
August 11, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4
August 10, 2018 Never knew either Jim or Susan well enough. Always glad to know they were right across the street and always enjoyed their wonderful brains. This is much too soon for Jim and he has been far too good a man to wrap it up this early. Thankful we knew him as long as we did. We won't forget this fabulous guy! We'll be in touch!
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Jim Jennings,
Portland, Oregon
August 09, 2018We have lost a lovely neighbor, friend and fellow dog lover. Our sincerest condolences to his wonderful family.
Rick and Bev Levy
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Rick Levy,
Wilmette, Illinois
August 09, 2018
Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. I hope that words such those found at John 6:40 bring you comfort at this difficult time. CR
August 08, 2018True best friend to family.i will miss his candid personality. Love you.
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Barbara Hatfield,
Munster, Indiana
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George Martin
Few, if any, people reading this will remember me, but Jim Koch and I were good friends once upon a time... over 50 years ago. There was no falling out, just a drifting apart. I just learned of the fact that Jim died several months ago, and I was sorry to learn the news. He was a good guy, smart, and with a good sense of humor. Although we had been out of touch for a long time, I did vote for him when I saw that he was on the ballot for a judgeship. My parents did also. Belated condolences to his family.