James "Jim" A. Gouker

James A. “Jim” Gouker, residing in Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Elkhart General Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 61. Jim was born on May 10, 1959 in Elkhart to the late Paul and Dorothy (Gadson) Gouker. He attended Elkhart Community Schools, and graduated in 1977 from Elkhart Central High School and attended Ball State University.

Jim worked in the family business, Elkhart Central Transfer Moving & Storage for over 40 years. He eventually became President and sole owner of this successful Elkhart business, because of his entrepreneurial spirit and keen business sense.  He recently sold the business after he developed health issues.

Jim also had numerous rental properties and was a licensed realtor. Jim was very active in the community, having served on the Elkhart City Planning Commission and Elkhart Board of Zoning Appeals. He had a heart of gold, and his kindness and gifts, will remain largely unknown to us, but appreciated by the many lives and families he helped and touched.

Jim loved to travel and entertain, especially at Christmas, his favorite holiday, and his backyard, which holds many special memories for anyone who has been at one of his pool parties. He also collected antique cars and Coca Cola memorabilia. He was a wonderful husband, brother, son and friend.

Jim is survived by his husband of 22 years, Jim Kalb, loving sister Mary Ann (James) Oldham and his nephews, Alex and Adam Oldham. Surviving as well is a large extended family and many friends.

Friends and family will gather on Sunday, January 31, from 2-4 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart, where services celebrating Jim’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 1, 2021, with additional visitation 1 hour prior to the service. After a meal, the burial will follow at White Pigeon Township Cemetery, White Pigeon, MI. 

Memorial donations are kindly requested to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 411 2nd St., NW, Rochester, MN 55901, where he stayed while undergoing some of his treatments. To share a memory of Jim or send a condolence to his family, visit the Billings Funeral Home website.  Covid-19 Guidelines are still in effect.

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