James S. Gooch

Born in Orrick, Missouri on November 16th, 1920. Passed peacefully away on April 27th, 2005.

Jim grew up in Orrick and Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Central High School in Kansas City.

He joined the Navy with two buddies and soon found himself in WWII. He was in the Navy nearly six years. Most of that time was spent aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise Aircraft Carrier. He received the Presidential Citation for courage above and beyond the call of duty.

He met Dottie Mack and proposed to her two weeks after that. They were married May 14th, 1949.

God blessed them with two daughters, Deborah in 1951, Louise in 1954, and a son Jim Jr. in 1956. He loved his children so much that he found it difficult to express, even to them.

He was owner/operator of Regal Cleaners for over thirty years. Dottie worked with him in the business. Because of two back surgeries, he had to sell Regal Cleaners. He then went to work for Univar Corporation in Dry Cleaning supply sales. He worked until he was seventy years old.

Jim and Dottie attended the New Member class at North Creek Presbyterian Church and transferred their membership from Lake City Presbyterian Church. He loved North Creek Church and all the wonderful friends he had made. But most of all, he found a close personal relationship with his Lord.

He loved baseball, football and golf, and was an avid reader of History and Agatha Christie mysteries. He would read poetry to Dottie and she loved those times.

Jim Gooch was a tease, a joker, always fun. But he was also the kindest, most honest, gentle, considerate and humble man you could ever hope to know.

He could drive a golf ball a country mile for someone his age. But perhaps now his putting will improve in heaven.

How we will miss you, Mr. Gooch.