James H. Couch, 84, of Kentland, passed away at 12:40 pm, Monday, February 17, 2014 at George Ade Memorial Health Care Center of Brook. He was born on July 2, 1929 in Goodland to James T. and Isabell Farrell Couch and graduated from Kentland High School. Jim served in the United States Army from 1946 - 1951 with the 17th Infantry, 3rd Division. He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served in the Korean War and WWII, where he was awarded the Presidential Citation, Parachute Badge, Glider Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, and the Korean Medal with 3 Bronze Stars. His marriage was to Evaleen Watt in November of 1974. She preceded him in death on September 11, 2010. He was a 60+ year member of the American Legion Post 23, a member of the Kentland Fire Department (Retired), Democrat Precinct Committee Man, St. Joseph Catholic Church of Kentland, and served as the Sergeant of Arms for the American Legion Honor Guard for 20 years. Jim was self employed as a Roofing Contractor and owned standard bred pacer horses and loved going to the horse races. He enjoyed fishing, IU basketball, Notre Dame football, and the White Sox. Jim will be remembered most as a lifelong patriot and he truly loved his country. He is survived by his two children; James T. Couch (wife: Kathy) of Earl Park, and Kathy Holloway (husband: Curt) of Kentland; four grandchildren; Ashley Watts, Taylor Ellis, James H. Couch, and Heather Brownfield, and his 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four step-children, Sally Conn, Sue Voigt, Lorrie Swartz, and Scott Hanger. Preceding him in death with his parents and wife are four sisters; Betty Mosier, Patricia McKee, Janet Ford, and Mary Margaret Antcliff; three brothers; John, Dave, and Tim Couch; and a step-daughter, Chris Lacosse. Friends may call from 4-7 pm (CST), Friday, February 21, 2014, with a Rosary Service beginning at 3:45 pm (CST) at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home of Kentland. His funeral mass will be held at 11 am (CST), Saturday, February 22, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Kentland with Fr. Robert Bernotas officiating. Interment to follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 23.