James C. Koeppen, age 79, a resident of Burbank, went home to be with his Lord, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, June 6.  He was born July 26, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois.

He grew up in Chicago, and after high school began work as an airport baggage handler. He married his wife Nora on December 22, 1971. The Lord blessed him with a rare talent for all things mechanical. Jim had a long career as a high speed mechanic at Johnson and Johnson for 23 years and then at Unilever for 16 years.  He retired in 2001.

Jim could fix or build anything and was eager to help family and friends repair appliances, solve electrical problems, or service their cars. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage; and in retirement, he found a new passion in woodworking. One of his great joys was to create beautifully unique jewelry boxes for each of his daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters. Jim was meticulous and precise in his work, and he was a patient teacher to friends and family alike.

Jim accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1971, and followed the Lord in believer's baptism. He enjoyed reading his Bible and earnestly prayed for the Lord's leading in the lives of his dear children and grandchildren.  He was a faithful encourager to many, especially through his weekly phone calls.

He is survived by his wife, Nora Koeppen, three daughters, Vicky (David) Horner of Burbank, Kim (Randy) Gray of Westerville, OH, and Cheryl (Nathan) Tomas of Fishers, IN, eleven grandchildren, Bryan (Faith) Horner, Kevin (Tesia) Horner, Shannon Horner, Aaron Horner, Megan Horner, Katelyn Horner, Jeremy Gray, Emily Gray, Matthew Gray, Emily Tomas and Madison Tomas, and three great-grandchildren, Lucy Horner, Bronson Horner and Eleanor Horner.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Burbank.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to First Baptist Church of Burbank/Missions Fund.