James "Jim" R. Couchenour Sr.: September 11, 1935-June 23, 2026

James "Jim" R. Couchenour Sr. is dancing with the angels. He peacefully took his final earthly breath on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at his home in Tarpon Springs, Florida. During his 90 years of life, Jim was known and loved as a devoted Christ-follower, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, mentor, and friend to all who knew him. Born on September 11, 1935, his life was marked by unwavering faith, compassionate service, and a genuine love for people.

At home, Jim's greatest joy was his family. His five children, Bill (born 1957), Jim Jr. (1958), Dave (1961), Scott (1965), and Vicki (1969), knew him not only as a hardworking provider but as someone who loved to laugh and create lasting memories. One family favorite took place during a trip to Mt. Rushmore. As Jim stepped into the family's motorhome, he didn't realize the countertop had been extended across the doorway for dinner. He bumped his head, instinctively lifted it, only to hit it again. He lowered his head to protect himself and managed to scrape it a third time before finally making it inside. After getting stitched up, the family spent the rest of the trip laughing together, and Jim laughed right along with them. It was one of many moments that reflected his ability to find joy in life's unexpected mishaps.

Jim's compassion extended far beyond his own home. In 1988, he founded The Way Station, a ministry dedicated to serving thousands of people throughout the Mahoning Valley through compassionate, Christ-centered outreach. More than an organization, The Way Station became a reflection of Jim's heart, a ministry built on his belief that the Church was called to step beyond its walls and meet people where they were. Whether offering practical help, encouragement, or the hope of Christ, Jim sought to glorify God in every conversation and every act of service.

A successful business leader, nonprofit governance expert, author, and advocate for Christian ministry, Jim founded and served as president of Cogun Industries, a multi-million dollar company specializing in the development of churches and ministry facilities. His leadership also left a lasting mark on Christian higher education through his many years of service on the Board of Trustees at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he served for many years.

Jim's faith was never confined to one place. He and his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Nash Couchenour, embraced opportunities to travel throughout the United States and around the world. Whether serving on mission trips, encouraging ministry partners abroad, or simply experiencing God's creation through leisure travel, Jim viewed every journey as an opportunity to build relationships, serve others, and share Christ's love. He treasured the people he met, the cultures he experienced, and the lifelong friendships that grew from those travels.

Jim is preceded in death by Pat, his beloved wife of 63 years. Their love was a beautiful testimony of faithfulness, and Jim carried Pat in his heart every day during the six years since her passing. Their reunion in Heaven is a source of great comfort to those who loved them both. Throughout his life, Jim seamlessly blended business leadership, ministry involvement, compassionate service, and deep devotion to his family. He was respected not simply for what he accomplished, but for how he lived, with integrity, humility, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to following Christ.

Jim leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by titles or achievements alone, but by the countless lives he touched through his kindness, servant's heart, steadfast faith, and unconditional love. His influence will continue to live on through his family, his ministry, and all who were blessed to know him. The old hymn Keep Sweet, which Jim's father sang to him throughout his childhood, remained close to his heart for the rest of his life. Its reminder that peace comes from laying life's burdens at the Master's feet was evident in the steadfast faith, gentle spirit, and compassion with which Jim lived each day.