KOONCE, James L., 86, of Moundsville, W.Va., died Thursday, December 8, 2016 in Wheeling Hospital.
He was born September 23, 1930, in Shadyside, Ohio, a son of the late Edward W. and Delphi B. (Dean) Koonce. He was a retired Fire Chief for AEP, Mitchell Plant. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 709, Wheeling, W.Va., serving as commander for 10 years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 437 Moundsville and past commander. He was a member of the American Legion Post 3, Moundsville, and the Elm Grove Eagles Aerie 1891.
Among other decorations, he was awarded the Ranger Tab and the Purple Heart. He is the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Five Battle Stars for Korea, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Medal. He entered the Army during the occupation of Japan and continued to participate in the Korean War. His most significant assignment was the 8213th Army Unit Eighth Rangers Company-Korea.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Jean (McCardle) Koonce, and two sisters, Donna Lay and Joyce Tellitocci.
He is survived by three sons, Jeff (Betty) Koonce of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mark Koonce of Cincinnati, and Eric (Laurens) Koonce of Cincinnati; one step-son, Garry (Denise) Hillberry of Sand Hill, W.Va.; one step-daughter, Pauline (Darrell) Thomas of Avella, Pa.; eight grandchildren, Rachel Koonce, Brandon Hillberry, Logan Hillberry, Nathan Hillberry, Rena (Rusty) Clem, Amy (Chuck), Sean Thomas, and Josh Hillberry; and eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received on Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Lutes & Kirby-Vance Chapels, 118 Grant Avenue, Moundsville, where services will be held on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 11 am. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Moundsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Oak Grove United Methodist Church (Click Here) and the Marshall County Animal Shelter (Click Here) through www.tmcfunding.com
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com
Eric, so sorry to hear about your Father’s passing. He was quite a decorated Veteran. Best to you in the days ahead, you have my deepest sympathy.
I had the pleasure of seeimg your Dad recently. And it brought back many fond memories of the Koonce family when I was growing up. Jeff, Mark and my “G.B.” Erik -you are all in my thoughts today. Sending a prayer for all of you. May your Dad Rest In Peace.
So sorry for your loss. I was Jim’s second cousin. I worked for him at the Frosty Treat in Powhatan Pt. when I was in high school many years ago. Prayers going out to the family.
My sincere and deepest condolences to the family of “Jim”. Denny Albaugh
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of James L. Koonce, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten..
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Army Korean War Veteran, James L. Koonce, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †