February 12, 1946 – June 15, 2023
James Isia Couch, affectionately known as “Bebop”, was born on February 12, 1946, and gained his wings on June 15, 2023, at the age of 77.
James grew up in Petersburg, Virginia and attended Peabody High School. He married his childhood sweetheart on March 7, 1964. James and Marion started their family in Petersburg, Virginia and then relocated to New York where they continued to grow their family. James worked at Mount Saint Vincent College as an assistant chef then moved on to work at the Refined Syrups and Sugars (Domino Sugar) and was the super of Waverly Arms until he retired.
James was a wonderful man who loved and was loved by man. He spent his spare time outside, engaging with the community and served as a Deacon at Community Memorial Baptist Church He had a passion for cooking and telling stories, “Or Whatever You Know!”
James was predeceased by his parents, Lucille and Richard Couch; daughter, Lashawn; son, Carlos; daughter-in-law, Emily Andino; godson, André McGee; brothers, Peter, Bernard, Donald, Timothy, and David; and his sisters, Grace, Bernice, Lottie, Brenda, Joanette, and Jackie.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Marion Couch; children, James Couch, Antonio Couch (Gladis) and Robert Couch (Linda Green); one daughter-in-law, Elonda Couch; goddaughters, Patricia Parker, Rose Worrell, and Liz Wilson; one sister, Rosa-Lee Couch; three brothers, Walgus Couch (Virginia), Richard Couch and Billy Couch; grandchildren, Jennifer Andino, Tanisha Foster, Tayleen Couch, Jayona Couch, Cheyanne Couch, Donell Couch, Donte Couch, Denzel Couch, La’Tifa Jenkins, DaShawn Couch, Daquan Couch, Endeara Couch, Takyia Couch, Tameka Diaz, Danielle Diaz, Shanae Diaz, Sade Diaz, Takira Couch, Shakya Alston and Shanya Blackwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends that will miss him dearly.
Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, June 24, 2023, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.