James “Jim” Gooch, 74, passed away on Monday, February 14, 2022, at Advent Health Central Texas in Killeen, TX, surrounded by his family. He was born July 13, 1947, in Abilene, TX, and was the son of Claude and Mary Ruth (Calhoun) Gooch.
A memorial service will be held on March 11, 2022, at 2 pm at Fairfield Harmony Presbyterian Church, 119 W. Main St., Fairfield, TX, 75840.
Jim grew up in Vernon, TX, and graduated from Vernon High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1969 from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX. Here he met Nancy South and they were married for 53 years. After their marriage, he studied Art History.
Jim was an artist, completing and selling drawings over the years. He also was a history buff and an avid numismatist specializing in ancient coins. Sharing his knowledge with family was a favorite pastime.
Jim began his professional career as a counselor with the Wesley Foundation of Austin, TX, in 1974 before working for the Texas Department of Human Services as a social worker in Vernon, TX, from 1975-1979. He enjoyed his successful time as a social worker before receiving a call to become a minister.
Jim attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, TX, where he received a Master of Divinity in 1982. He later received a Doctor of Ministry from Austin Seminary in 1993. He was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and served the following churches: First Presbyterian Church in Santa Anna, TX (1982-1985); First Presbyterian Church in Mineral Wells, TX (1985-1994); Westminster Presbyterian Church in Corsicana, TX (1994 to 1998); and Fairfield Harmony Presbyterian Church in Fairfield, TX (1998 to 2011). Through all his accomplishments, he was most proud of being a loving husband and father.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy Gooch of Lampasas, TX, formerly of Fairfield, TX; his son, James Eric Gooch (Sherryl-Lynn) Gooch of Lampasas, TX; his daughter, Kim (Ben Stuckey) Gooch of Houston, TX; and his grandsons, Samuel Gooch and Calvin Dasko.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made to the Presbyterian Churches of Mineral Wells, TX, and Fairfield, TX, or your favorite ministry.
