James Koch

James Hugh Koch, 61, of Effort, PA, passed away on June 22, 2014 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He was the beloved husband of Anna "Ania" (Chlebda) Koch. Born in Fountain Hill, he was a son of the late James S. and Evelyn (Lessig) Koch who raised him as a member of Lower Saucon United Church of Christ, Hellertown. He was a 1971 graduate of Saucon Valley High and received a BS in education from East Stroudsburg University. He served the community through Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Jaycees, and the Stroudsburg YMCA as a program director and board member. He provided real estate services and instruction to the region for over 30 years through various organizations, most notably his own business, Appraisal Express, which he ran for over 20 years until his passing. Survivors: Wife, Ania; daughter Olivia, age 4; son, James Robert and his wife Sarah, of Salem, MA; granddaughter, Eloise; sister, Geraldine and her fiancé Bruce Nielson, of Hellertown; brother, Dale and his wife Beverly, of Fountain Hill. He was predeceased by a daughter Bridgette. Services: A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 12, in the sanctuary of Lower Saucon UCC, 1375 Third Ave., Hellertown, where all are invited to gather from 10 am. Guests will be invited to share their fond memories and pictures of Jim. Refreshments will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory towards his daughter's education. Checks payable to Olivia Koch may be mailed to ESSA Bank, 744 Main Street, PO Box L, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.