James Gerard Ochs

James Gerard Ochs 85, of Speedway, passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2018.  Born in Milwaukee, WI, to Conrad and Margaret Ochs the family moved to Evansville, IN. A member of the first graduating class of Mater Dei High School, Jim then went on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture.  Jim married his best friend’s sister, Carol Sue Kollker in 1958 and in 1963 moved his family to Indianapolis where he worked for several architectural & engineering firms over the course of his career. He was involved in several major projects around the city, most notably the Power & Light Building on the Circle. As an avid Race fan, he served several years on USAC at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was an active member of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church where he fried many a fish sandwich for the summer festival. A 3^rd Degree Knight, Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 52 years. One of the original co-founders of the Speedway Booster Club, Jim was also active in the community as a member and former President of Speedway Lions Club, and member and former President of the Greater Area Speedway Chamber of Commerce.  He proudly served the Speedway Community as Police Commissioner for 24 years. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Carol Sue Kollker Ochs and son, James Gregory Ochs.  Jim is survived by his children, Tracey Ochs Stanton (Brian), Jennifer Marie Tooker (John Saliola), Mark Andrew Ochs (Shelly), Matthew John Ochs, Margaret Ochs Zore (Larry), 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The Ochs family would like to express their gratitude to Jim’s amazing friends, relatives, neighbors, care givers and Mary Lou Prince’s family for the continuous love and support they have shown. Visitation will be 4-8pm, Monday, April 2^nd at Flanner Buchanan-Speedway.  Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, April 3^rd at St. Christopher Catholic Church.  Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Evansville, IN.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Click Here for Online Donation