James E. Couch
In Loving Memory of James E. Couch, May 18, 1942~ July 2, 2025, in Glasgow, Kentucky.
James E. Couch passed away peacefully, at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
He has proceeded in death by his parents, Luther and Edith (Stone) Couch, of Lexington, KY., two brothers, Will and Ken Couch, both of Lexington, KY.
James was born during WWII in Campton, KY, and raised in Lexington, KY. He graduated from Lafayette High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. During a long weekend leave, he returned to Lexington and married his high school sweetheart, Gena Faye Lewis. They returned to his Air Force Base in Lincoln, Nebraska, where they started their family.
During his military career, he served in the 307th Bombardment Wing, Lincoln, Nebraska. His missions included the Bay of Pigs in 1961, CIA “Project Night Watch”, Operation Night Watch (often referred to as the Doomsday Plane), and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He worked as an Electromagnetic Radiation Communication Specialist during his military career. His 6 years of service had an enormous impact on his life and cornerstone that led to a career in electronics and technology.
After his military years, James returned to Lexington with his family, where he, along with his wife, started his first business, “Couch Electronics” on Porter Pike.
He moved his family to Glasgow the summer of 1979 when he opened The Audio Center, located in Central Center Shopping Center. He sold the 1st home computers for personal use to the general public in our area. (Commodore 64 and Vic-20) This was a gateway to our community. At 40, he began taking classes at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He earned his bachelor’s degrees in science, Technology, Physics, and Religious Studies, with a master’s in secondary education. He taught at the Barren County Vocational School, Southern Kentucky Technical College, and retired from Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green Campus. During his life, he mentored many young people, one of whom was very special to him, Lin Vy. Her children, Lilly and Bailey Vy, and her entire family had a special place in his heart.
James was a member of WKU Alumni Assn., an avid Ham Radio Operator for over 6 decades, and a member of the American Radio Relay League, connecting with both domestic & international operations. In recognition of his lifelong contribution to the Commonwealth, James was appointed Kentucky Colonel in 1970, personally by Gov. Louie B. Nunn.
He is survived by one sister, Patricia Hager (Bob) of Birmingham; 5 children, Kellie Couch Hopper (Bill) of Union Grove, NC., Scott Couch (Dana Riddle) of Hendersonville, TN., Gena Couch Rowe (Fiance, Mark Brackett) Glasgow, KY., Chris Couch (LaCosta Massey) of Glasgow, Andy Couch (Amy Davis) of Madisonville, KY. He is survived by 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
The family will honor his wishes with a private memorial service, surrounded by his children and grandchildren on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Arrangements were entrusted to Hardy & Son Funeral Home, Bowling Green Chapel
