James Roger "Hoch" East Obituary (1957 - 2024)

Corydon, Indiana James Roger "Hoch" East, 66, passed away Monday, March 4, 2024, at his home in Corydon, IN. after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born July 26, 1957, in Sasebo, Japan at Sasebo Naval Base, the son of John Raymond and Masako Yanasaki East. He was a 1975 Corydon Central High School graduate. James worked for Helix Technologies as a computer engineer, and eventually retired from Orange County REMC. He was one of the first live kidney donors in the United States when he donated a kidney to his father. James was the drummer and lead singer of the band Kings Cave for over 30 years and was the last original member. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, a member of the Hi-caliber Sportsman Club, and loved to go shooting with his family. He was an auxiliary member of the VFW post 6160. James was also an avid coin collector, liked to watch ancient aliens on t.v., and loved to work in the garden for and with his wife. James was also the proud grandfather of 19 grandkids who lovingly called him "Poopaw" which always warmed his heart. He loved that name. He was preceded in death by his parents, father, Army Staff Sargeant, John East, and mother, Hiroshima survivor, Masako Yanisaki. He is survived by his wife, Trisha Paulley East of Corydon, IN; sons, John East (Randie) of Corydon, IN, Christopher Paulley (Jessica) of Floyds Knobs, IN and Cory Paulley (Kailee) of Salem, IN; daughters, Jessica Reed of Corydon, IN, Johanna Flaherty (Eric), of Louisville, KY, Jenna Lehman (Cody) of Borden, IN and Chelsea Wilson (Ryne) of Pekin, IN; siblings, Paul East, Gloria East and Cheryl Lone(Charles) all of Corydon, IN; grandchildren, Jennifer Kostrzewski, Faith Kostrzewski, Ezra Reed, Ever Flaherty, Eric Flaherty Jr., Ella Lehman, Sebastian Lehman, Jance East (who named him "PooPaw"), Dylah East, Ryker East, Matt Staser, Nick Staser, Gavin Paulley, Zayne Paulley, Koen Paulley, Zuree Paulley, Brailee Brewster, Rylnn Wilson (which he shared a birthday with) and Kysn Wilson. There will be a memorial service held at 6 PM Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home in Corydon, Indiana. Honorary pallbearers will be John East, Paul East, Charles Lone Jr., Eric Flaherty, Cody Lehman, Chris Paulley Jr., Cory Paulley, and Ryne Wilson. Pastor Matt Singleton will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 AM until the service at 6 PM on Sunday also at the funeral home in Corydon, IN.