With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of James Lawrence Koehler, 81, of North Syracuse, NY, on June 23, 2026. He was born in Youngstown, OH and raised in Columbiana, OH where he began a lifelong dedication to serving his community. He graduated from Columbiana High School in 1963 and joined the United States Navy, serving from 1963 - 1969 as a Corpsman, with deployments to Japan and Vietnam. Upon his return, he was quick to “scoop” up Martha “Marty”, and they were married in 1969. He was a member of the Ruritan Club and served over a decade in the Columbiana Volunteer Fire Department. While working and starting a family with Marty, he completed his degree at Youngstown State University in August of 1978.

In 1979, Jim moved his family to Syracuse, NY, where he spent 28 years as an insurance claims manager with Equifax. He served as President of the Salt City Little League. Jim also spent countless hours on the ball field as an umpire, baseball and softball coach, encouraging and mentoring young athletes. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of the Revolutionary War, Marine Corps League, and a volunteer with the Syracuse VA.

Jim had a deep love for music and sang in several choirs, including church and barbershop chorus and quartets in Ohio and Syracuse. His beautiful tenor voice left a mark on anyone who had the privilege of hearing it.

James was predeceased by his parents James LeRoy and Mary Louise (Asbaugh) Koehler, and his sister Judith Ann Koehler Spooner.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Martha (Candel) Koehler; children, Kevin (Michelle) Koehler, Jennifer (Susan) Lilly; a sister, Kristen (Richard) McCutcheon; grandchildren, Jacob Koehler, Michael Koehler, Tray Lilly and Michael Lilly.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Maurer Funeral Home, 3541 State Route 31, Baldwinsville, NY from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. A funeral service with military honors will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Jim will be interred at Firestone Park & Cemetery, 338 East Park Avenue, Columbiana, OH.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in James’s memory may be made to Operation Northern Comfort at OperationNC.org.

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home on-line guestbook for James to express your condolences to his family.