Jimmy Leon Couch, age 67, passed away with his loving wife of forty-three years, Maricela Yolanda Couch, by his side on Thursday afternoon, May 25, 2023, at his home in Willis, Texas. He was born August 29, 1955, in Provo, Utah, to Jimmy Dale Couch and Sandra Lee Stephens. His early years were spent living in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the state of Washington, where he attended White Pass High School.
He joined the United States Navy in 1973, stationed in Imperial Beach, California, and is a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a member of the Helicopter Squadron. He was highly intelligent, a life-long student continuously self-taught, and well known as a “jack of all trades”. He spent many years working in construction and went on to earn his electrician’s license, successfully building his own business.
He met his soulmate and wife, Yolanda, in Odessa, Texas, where they were married on June 21, 1980. Eventually, his path led him into building a career in information technology from which he retired. In his retirement, he prided himself on working with his many DIY projects, ranging from gardening to remodeling to woodworking. He was a crafter at heart. His pastimes included “tinkering on his projects”, driving through the state parks, camping and fishing, cooking, writing, and spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his brothers Mark F. Stephens and C. Toby Couch as well as by his sister Cheryl R. Couch-Springer. He is survived by his wife, Yolanda, his two daughters, Kristen (Zellas Sr.) Whitebeaver and Kimberly Couch, as well as by his three sisters, Sharon Gossett-Pate, Cecilia Couch, and Christopher D. Couch. Jim is survived by his five grandsons, Zellas II, Ezio, Shayden, Ares, and Kael, and he is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Bailyn. His memory is cherished by his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He will be forever missed and greatly loved.
Per his wishes, he will be cremated and the family will hold a small intimate gathering at their home. Details will be shared in the future regarding memorial arrangements and a permanent resting place