ONAGA – James Harlin Kocher, 92, of Onaga, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Community Hospital in Onaga.

He was born October 5, 1931, south of Onaga, the son of Carl and Edna McCloughan Kocher.  He graduated from Onaga High School in 1949 and from auctioneer school in 1950.

Jim was a farmer and stockman, but his true avocation was being an auctioneer.  He also drove a school bus for the Onaga schools.

He married Leta Grace Holt on December 24, 1952 at the First Baptist Church in Onaga. She preceded him in death on August 8, 2005.

Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, a son, James Dale Kocher, a daughter, Janet George, a grandson, Joshua Kocher, and a sister, Zona Marcella Erass.

Survivors include a son, Bruce Kocher and wife Ann, Onaga, six grandchildren, J.C., Jena, Keyanna, Branson, Amy and Matthew, nine great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and one on the way.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 27th at the New Hope Lutheran Church in Onaga.  Burial will follow in the Havensville Cemetery.  Jim will lie in state after 9:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga, where a visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Memorials are suggested to the Onaga Weightlifting Club, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 312, Onaga, KS  66521.

The service will be live streamed on Facebook at New Hope Lutheran Church.