James "Tip" Paul KOECHNER

Tip Koechner (James/Jim) passed away peacefully on August 18th, surrounded by those who loved him most. He was 81. Tip’s life can be best encapsulated by 3 “F” words: Family, Friends, and Fun … and in his 81 years he experienced an absolute abundance of each. Tip was born to Joe and Lela Koechner on February 15, 1944 and grew up as the youngest of 9 in Tipton, Missouri. In 1963 he moved to St. Charles, Missouri and started his career as a truck driver for a lumber company and it is also where he earned his first nickname, “Flash.” He was known as Flash because he was constantly moving and never in one place for long … it described him well. Continuing his career and the ability of dropping trusses on a dime, he moved to O’Fallon, Missouri in 1968 and started his employment with O’Fallon Lumber. It is there that he soon became known as “Tip” (referencing his hometown) and is also where he retired from in 1998, marking 35 years in the Teamsters Union. Tip was extremely hard-working and you never had to ask him twice to do anything. In fact, he was extreme in almost everything he did. He loved fiercely. He could party like a rock star. And he had 2 speeds … On and Off. He truly was The Man of Action, another well-deserved moniker. If you didn’t know Tip, you can almost guarantee you know someone who did. Tip truly seemed to know everybody and when you needed something, you could go to Tip because he also “had a guy” for everything! His circle of friends was extensive and you couldn’t go anywhere with him without running into someone who knew him – even when across the globe! Tip married Jeanette Lang in 1964, and while their lives took them down different paths after spending 34 years together, they remained close until the end. Tip and Jeannette had one daughter, Jackie, who he thought could hang the moon. In some ways, just like him, she has a hard time sitting still … except for in his heart … because since the day she was born, from there she never moved. Tip wasn’t one to sit down and offer hours of fatherly advice, but rather taught by example … sometimes maybe questionable … but truly gave her a great example of “living” life. Tip met Christine Joyce (who he affectionally renamed, “Pumpkin”) in 2001 and they joyfully created numerous cherished memories. Together they enjoyed many fun and friend-filled trips, as well as hours of social gatherings at the weekly meetings in “The Office.” Tip was simple and didn’t ask for anything fancy … except for when it came to his truck. He enjoyed the bling and you could see him coming … the more chrome the better! There were some things that truly energized Tip … one of those being the opportunity to help. Whether by doing or giving, Tip was always right there. The other thing that elated Tip was making someone smile, or even better, laugh. It genuinely fed his soul. There are absolutely countless things that could be said about Tip – but the most sincere one is that he will be missed. Tip is survived by his daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandsons: Jackie, Paul, Hunter, Nolan and Spencer O’Rourke. Also surviving is Christine Joyce, dear friend; Jeanette Koechner, former wife; brother, Virgil Koechner, of Tipton, Missouri and sister, Della Mallen, of Plattsburg, Missouri; an expansive number of nieces, nephews, and their families; and many other family and friends. Also left behind and notably important are his adored cats, Leo and Norbert – whose treat offerings will substantially be diminished. Tip is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lela Koechner; brothers Leo, Norbert, Melvin, and Cecil; sisters Evelyn Gerke and Annetta Koechner and a few other well-loved (and well-fed) cats - Fred, Felix, and Oscar. Tip’s love for life will be honored with a celebration, Cheers over Tears, on Sunday, September 21st, from 2pm-6pm at the O’Fallon Elks Lodge. We’d love to see you! In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would certainly delight Tip.

James "Tip" Paul KOECHNER

February 15, 1944 - August 18, 2025