Mr. James Mark Couch

James Mark Couch (1934-2026) James Mark Couch, 92, passed away peacefully on August 21st, surrounded by his loved ones. Raised during the Great Depression as one of eight children, James quickly learned the values of toughness, resiliency, hard work, and the importance of family. He attended Emma Sansom High School and enjoyed a close bond with his six brothers and one sister. In 1950, James lied about his age and ran off to join the United States Navy, where he travelled the world. Seaman First Class Couch was assigned to the Fourth Division of the mighty battleship USS Wisconsin, operating one of its five-inch guns during the Korean War. For fifteen months, he took part in naval gunfire efforts in support of Allied operations ashore. James was a proud Navy man, attending annual reunions and participating in veterans events. In 2024, he was honored by the United States Naval Academy Museum with a special birthday commemoration. After the Korean War, James moved to Longview, Texas, where he married a pretty local girl named Dortheada “Sue” Wright. The Couch’s ultimately returned to Gadsden, where James worked at Republic Steel. They raised a family and were members of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church. The two remained hopelessly in love until Sue’s passing in 2005. James had a sharp and inquisitive mind, and excelled at games. Checkers, Horseshoes, Dominoes, Joker, you name it—James never met a game he didn’t like, or one that he didn’t master. He was particularly skilled at Chess, playing regularly up until the last days of his life. If you knew James Couch, chances are you found yourself on the losing side of a board game at least once. He was renowned for his sense of humor and sociable personality. Whether on the floor of the steel mill, at a wedding reception, or his breakfast club at Jack’s, he was always the life of the party, holding court for anyone who wanted to hear one of his jokes or tall tales. He had a remarkably infectious smile, and was always the most photogenic man in the room (often to his embarrassment). Above all else, James was a committed family man. Despite all his life experiences and achievements, he was always most content when fishing or enjoying backyard BBQs surrounded by his kids, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren. He showed them by example what it meant to love and remain devoted to those who mattered most. That will be his greatest legacy. James Couch is survived by his daughter Nancy Couch Gowens, sons, Lewis “Buddy” (Tammy) Couch and David (Richie) Couch; grandchildren Misty (Michael) Lancaster, Nichole (John) Mitcham, Hillary (Matt) Moore, Taylor Couch, Erin (Ryan) Campbell, Lauren (Paul) Shamblin, and Brody Couch; and seven great grandchildren Kaia Peaden, Hunter Simmons, Reese Lancaster, Eleanor Mitcham, Charlie Moore, Ava Moore, and Charlie Blair Couch and two great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark Jefferson and Charlie Foster Couch; wife Dortheada “Sue” Wright Couch; sons, Randy Mark Couch and James “Jimmy” Mark Couch Jr.; grandson Dalton Couch; six brothers, Bud Couch, Elbert “Big Six” Couch, Henry Couch, Jack Couch, L.B. Couch, and Charlie Couch; and one sister, Martha Jo Danehower. Pallbearers will be Brody Couch, Ryan Campbell, Trey Knight, Matt Moore, Dr. John Mitcham, and Lonny Vaughn. Services will be held Wednesday August 26th at Village Chapel Funeral Home in Gadsden, AL. Family and Friends will gather at 11 AM for visitation, with a service to follow at noon.

Mr. James Mark Couch

April 6, 1934 - August 21, 2026