Jeff Koch

Jeff Koch went to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, November 7, 2021, after a long, brave battle with brain cancer. He was born on January 29, 1966 in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Sabinal High School, Jeff joined the United States Navy serving with pride on the U.S.S. Gridley and later the U.S.S. Shasta for thirteen years. While stationed in the Philippines, Jeff as a military police officer was a first responder during the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Shortly before leaving the Navy approximately 26 years ago, Jeff was diagnosed with bone cancer and had successful surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation which was grueling in every way imaginable. Jeff with his amazing positive attitude survived the horrendous diagnosis. Sometime after his recovery, he was a policeman on the Martial Islands where he met his wife and soul mate Trina. Together, they lived in San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA; Dallas, TX; and finally in Austin, TX with their sweet dogs and cats. Jeff loved his pets as they were part of his family. Jeff was known for his friendly smile and kind heart. He always had a big smile, a welcoming greeting, and an outstretched hand to everyone he met. Being with his family and friends was his favorite pastime, especially holidays and annual summer vacations in Port Aransas, Texas. Jeff was the family comedian, always making us laugh with his never-ending jokes and impersonations. Matching his easy-going personality, we always looked forward to seeing what funny t-shirt he was wearing. Jeff had a knack for winning. He won numerous tickets and prizes from radio contests to raffles. If ever there was a door prize to be won, it would be his to take home. Jeff was a fantastic basketball player playing on different recreational teams. He was also good at tennis and golf. Up until his first diagnosis with cancer, he also enjoyed scuba diving. Besides his family, Jeff had two great passions: sports and food. His favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, San Antonio Spurs and Texas Rangers. He always wore his favorite team jerseys and t-shirts year-round, whether they were winning or losing. Jeff always remained the loyal fan. Every day he would discuss with his mother the latest sports games played. Beyond his favorite teams, Jeff knew every player on all sports teams, even obscure back-ups. He even knew the colleges the players attended, and what round in the drafts they were selected. This phenomenal memory also pertained to Jeff's dining experiences. He could remember restaurants he ate at when he was a small child and tell you exactly what he thought about it. Jeff loved going out to eat and his favorite was Mi Tierra in downtown San Antonio. We tried to go on his birthday every year. Jeff always made his opinion known when the topic of what to eat was being discussed. For someone who loved food, it is not surprising that Jeff's favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Jeff wanted a traditional meal: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, broccoli cheese casserole, Mrs. Baird's dinner rolls, homemade desserts, and rum eggnog. After dinner, the Cowboys would play football and, win or lose, Jeff was happy. We will all be terribly sad that Jeff will not be with us this Thanksgiving, but his spirit remains with us. We will always have a place setting for Jeff on Thanksgiving and remember what a kind husband, brother, son, and friend he was. Jeff is survived by his devoted, loving wife Trina Koch, his mother Martha Rouse, his sister Jennifer McClain and her husband Phil McClain, his sister Melissa Spinks and her husband Melvin Spinks, his sister Jessica Valadez and her husband Bobby Valadez, and numerous other close relatives and friends. On Friday, November 26th , 2021, a 9:30 a.m. rosary and 10:00 a.m. mass will be at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8134 Blanco Road, San Antonio, Texas. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston at 1:45 p.m., 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas. Special thanks to the Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, Texas. Flowers may be sent to Holy Spirit Catholic Church.