James David Couch

Jim was born in Silver Spring, Maryland on August 6, 1962. He graduated from Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, MD and then went on to attend Virginia Tech. He graduated from Virginia Tech’s Corp of Cadets receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and a Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the USAF. During his military career, he also received a Master of Business Administration Degree and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science Degree. After commissioning, Jim set off for Vance AFB, OK to achieve his life’s passion, to fly jets. Upon completion of Undergraduate Pilot Training, Jim requested to remain at Vance and became an Instructor Pilot for the Northrop T-38 Talon. While there, he met the love of his life, Lisa, and they married in 1988. Their first assignment together as a married couple was to Travis AFB, CA where he flew our country’s largest military aircraft, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. He supported many humanitarian relief missions around the world and participated in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, and later Enduring Freedom. It was also here at Travis AFB where their first child, Brandon, was born. Their next assignment was to Altus AFB, OK where Jim was a C-5 Instructor and Examiner Pilot. Their twins, Christopher and Kayla were born here. Next up was Air Staff at Air Mobility Command HQs at Scott AFB, IL followed by selection to the Air Force Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, AL. After graduation, Jim returned to Travis AFB and held various leadership positions including 22nd Airlift Squadron Operations Officer and Chief of 60th Operations Group Standardization and Evaluation. His final assignment before retiring was at Randolph AFB, TX where he was a Raytheon T-1A Instructor and Examiner Pilot and HQ Air Education and Training Command staff officer. After retirement, Jim continued his service in our national defense as a contractor at Lackland AFB, TX as a Schoolhouse C-5 Instructor Pilot for over fifteen years before his passing.

Some of his military awards include: Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait Liberation Medal Kuwait.Jim was a man who appreciated hard work, always had a positive, uplifting attitude, and had great compassion and empathy for people from all walks of life. His three children, Brandon, Christopher, and Kayla, were his greatest pride and joy while Lisa was his strength and as he would say, “the wind beneath my wings.” Jim spent many years coaching his sons’ baseball and basketball teams as well as coaching Kayla’s softball teams and loved every minute of it. Those who knew Jim valued his wisdom, expertise, patience, and steadfast courage to stand up for those in need of assistance. But most of all, they valued his friendship, his honesty, his kindness, and his huge heart. Jim was a true American hero. His gifts and talents benefited countless people throughout the USAF and the world, and he will be greatly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Couch, his mother Geraldine (Slusser) Couch, and his sister, Leslie. He leaves behind his loving wife of 34 years, Lisa (Lynn) Couch and his three children, Brandon, and twins Christopher and Kayla.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held Friday, February 10, 2023 beginning at 6 pm at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232. Doors will open at 5 pm.

Because Jim loved animals of all kinds, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in his memory to a no-kill animal shelter or wildlife rescue/rehab of your choice.

The family would also like to ask everyone to wear bright, happy colors (no black, please) to help celebrate and remember the bright, positive light that Jim was in this world and will continue to be in Heaven.