James A Poucher

Lieutenant Colonel James A. Poucher, U.S. Army, Ret, of Wadsworth, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024.

James was born on March 11, 1940, to Harry and Bernice Poucher in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from Richfield High School in 1958, he attended the University of Minnesota and joined the ROTC program there. He graduated with a BA, and later earned his Master’s Degree from Webster College. 

James continued to serve in the U.S. Navy until 1963, at which time he transferred to the U.S. Army. During twenty-one years of active duty, James served in the conflict in Vietnam as well as completing one tour in Korea, and two tours of duty in Germany. His unwavering commitment and exemplary service were recognized by the award of two Bronze Stars and six Commendation Medals, a testament to his exceptional leadership. He achieved the Army Parachutist Badge, and was always ready to go above and beyond in service to his country. 

After retiring from the military in 1986, James worked first in corporate security, and later as a Corporate Quality Auditor at Abbott Labs. He retired from full-time work at Abbott in 2003, but continued working in the private sector as a quality consultant for many years. James was also active as Treasurer of the Z-B American Legion Post 865. 

Lt. Col. Poucher was not just a hard worker, but a man devoted to his family and his faith. He became active at Christ Community Church in Zion, Illinois, in 1998, and was baptized with son Joshua in Lake Michigan in 2005. Years later during a trip to Israel, he was baptized again in the Jordan River. He was also a member of Gideons International, Lakes North Camp, for ten years.

James was an avid collector of coins, eagles, and frogs. He enjoyed many hobbies: fishing, firearms, woodworking, and drama. James was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He was active in Girl Scouts with daughters Jennifer and Heather, and in theater productions with son Joshua. He enjoyed visits and fishing trips with his twelve grandchildren, and attended many of their sporting events, recitals, academic events, and graduations. 

James leaves behind his devoted wife, Donna Poucher; daughters Jennifer (Jeff) Pridham, Heather (Steve) Moorehead, son Joshua Poucher Bellas (Lexi Schiano Bellas), stepchildren John (Lisa Wheeler) Walker, Rebecca (Corbin) McCulloch; grandchildren Thomas Pridham, Timothy Pridham, Trenton Pridham, Jasen Erbeznik, Rafael Walker, Gabriel Walker, Bianca Walker, Daniel Bueno, Bella Bueno, Lily McCulloch, Elie McCulloch, Hector Bellas; and brother Richard Poucher. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harry and Bernice Poucher. 

Visitation will take place Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Christ Community Church, Zion, IL from 9:30 to 11:00 am with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am. Entombment to follow at Warren Cemetery, Gurnee, IL with military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the following organizations, Zion-Benton American Legion Post 865, Gideons International, Camp Zion, Feed the Children and Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Z-B American Legion Post 865, P.O. Box 114 Zion, IL 60099

Gideons International, Lakes North Camp, P.O. Box 524 Zion, IL 60099

Feed the Children, www.feedthechildren.org

Tunnels to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/