James J. (Jim) Kovach, 79, of Anderson, passed away on April 20, 2024, at Chalet Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Jim was born on March 18, 1945, in Lorain, Ohio, to the late Joseph and Margaret (Arty) Kovach.

Jim was married to the love of his life, Sandy Kovach, for 53 years. Jim proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Army as a young man. He was a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, flying Hueys in combat and rescue missions. Jim was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and American Huey 369. Jim enjoyed woodworking and home improvement projects.

Jim will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Sandy Kovach; sons Jeffrey and Ronald Kovach; daughters Michelle Kovach and Patti (Carroll Bilbrey) Kovach; brother Robert Kovach; sister Janet (Dan) Hogan; grandchildren Edith James Bilbrey-Kovach and Sullivan Joseph Bilbrey-Kovach, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1115 Pearl St, Anderson, IN 46016. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Fr. Tom Metzger will be officiating. Burial will be at East Maplewood Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to American Huey 369 via their website, or the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org. Arrangements have been entrusted by Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory.