James E. “Jim” Rench, age 79, lifetime resident of Covington, died Monday, December 12, 2016 at Heartland of Piqua.  He was born May 3, 1937 in Troy to the late Wilfred Coate & Dora Ruth (O’Roark) Rench; a graduate of Covington High School, Class of 1955; earned his Bachelor Degree at Muskingum College; taught high school math for West Milton Schools for 17 years; worked in the Traffic Department at ODOT for 18 1/2 years & retired as the Superintendent of Traffic; a member of the First Brethren Church, Pleasant Hill; Eastern Star, Sharon Chapter, West Milton; F&AM Franklin Troy Masonic Lodge #14; Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Franklin Troy Masonic Lodge #24; 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton; IOOF, Oddfellows, Lodge #383, Covington; Amateur Radio Relay League; & his hobbies included amateur radio & genealogy, he was a Custer Historian & traveled extensively with his wife.

Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert L. Rench; & rejoining his wife Linda (Weldy) Rench, who died November 22, 2016, so that they can celebrate their 56th anniversary together.

Jim is survived by his 2 sons, James A. (Shanda) Rench of Covington & Chris A. (Tammy) Rench of Piqua; 4 grandsons, Dakota, Ashby, Avery, & Ayden Rench; & other relatives & friends.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday at 10 am at Bridges-Stocker-Fraley Funeral Home, Covington with Pastor Lynn Mercer officiating.  Interment Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington.  The family will receive friends Friday 4-7 pm with Masonic Service at 7 pm at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to VITAS Hospice, 3055 Kettering Blvd #770, Moraine, OH 45439. Condolences may be left for the family at www.stockerfraley.com.