James Leslie Kochell

James (Jim) Leslie Kochell, age 73, of Covington, died Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 9:41 PM EST at Franciscan Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana. Family and friends had spent all day and evening with him as he peacefully passed away. Jim was born In Williamsport, IN on September 25, 1945, the ninth of ten children, born to Glen and Wilma (Haire) Kochell. He attended Shawnee Grade School, Attica High School and graduated from Richland Township High School in 1963. Jim did auto body work and was employed at Flexel. He loved helping his brother-in-law, Walter Wilson on the farm, eventually worked alongside Walter full time and took over the grain and livestock operation upon Walter’s retirement from farming in the early ‘90’s. Later he dissolved the hog operation and established Jim Kochell Trucking, LLC. He retired in December of 2017 due to ill health.

Jim first married Nancy Peterson Durbin in 1963. The couple had three children: Teresa Kochell Westwater (deceased), Tony Kochell and Cathy Kochell Carrion. He later married Marilyn Becker Kochell in 1991. He had resided in Fountain County all his life.

Jim enjoyed traveling, country music and the theatre. He and his wife, friends and grandkids made yearly trips to Nashville, Indiana. Jim looked forward to trips to Nashville, Tennessee as well and honeymooned there with Marilyn. His favorite getaway was spending time at his son’s home in Florida. Jim had been an avid motorcyclist in his younger days and loved cars. He enjoyed racing and fishing. Jim loved children and was especially proud of his own kids and grandchildren. He had a special spot in his heart for animals; dogs and cats were part of the family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marilyn; son Tony (Carmen) Kochell, Deltona, Fl.; daughter Cathy Kochell Carrion, Oakwood, Il; son-in-law John ( Jasmin) Westwater, Surrey, B. C., Canada; mother-in-law Ruth Becker, Danville, Il.; sisters Barbara (Walter) Wilson, Covington, IN and Judy Payton, Veedersburg, IN; seven grandchildren: Karmen, Beth, Chloe, Antonio, Anna, Deklan and Achaius; great granddaughter Hadley; dog Tuffy and many nieces and nephews. Jim’s parents, three brothers, four sisters, beloved dogs Barnie and Molly and daughter Teresa preceded him in death.

Jim loyally attended Marilyn’s Sweet Adeline programs. He loved hearing Cathy’s laugh and admired her for being a hard worker and a good mom. He was proud of Tony’s accomplishments in his career and often said to Marilyn that Tony was such a good guy, and he will be forever grateful for the love and discipline John showed raising his two daughters on his own without their mother, Teresa. Jim and Marilyn took trips with the grandkids and enjoyed watching them grow and learn. Great granddaughter Hadley was the “icing on the cake.”

Jim had been in ill health for the past three and a half years. His devoted friends were always there to help. Special thanks to Dennis and Suzy Allen and family, Amy and Rod Arnold, Jim Braden, Buddy and Janet Crowder, Ed Grubb, J.R. Lamb, Larry Moore, Kathy and John Morgan, Richard Rennick, Glenda and Raymond Richardson, Jack and Carol Romine, Butch and Joyce Watt, and special brother-in-law Walt Wilson. Visitation: Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 1 to 3. Memorial service at 3 at Stringtown Church of God, Covington. A dinner will be served at the conclusion of the service. Shelby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials: Danville, Illinois Humane Society, Paw ‘n Claws of Attica or Covington Community Foundation.  Condolences to the family:  www.shelbyfuneralhome.com