John A. “Jack” Kohler

John A. “Jack” Kohler

SILVER CREEK– John A. “Jack” Kohler, 91, of Silver Creek, passed away at his home with family by his side, Thursday, April 22, 2021. He was born in Silver Creek, on Aug. 21, 1929, the son of the late George and Emma (Yonker) Kohler Sr. Jack was a graduate of Silver Creek Central School, class of 1948 and served in the U.S. Army with the Army Corps of Engineers as a corporal during the Korean War. Jack started his law enforcement career in the 1950s, when he was asked to be a school crossing guard while working at the former “Hoppy’s Garage.” He was named a part-time officer for the Village of Silver Creek Police Department in 1954, and went full-time in 1961. He was named chief of the Town of Hanover Police Department in 1971 and built the department to a team of five full time officers. A back injury that would require two surgeries is what halted Mr. Kohler’s days of fighting crime on the front lines. In 1980, he retired from police work and put his free time to good use, attending college and receiving his associates degree at age 50. On April 1, 1981, he was appointed Town of Hanover Justice and then was elected, winning seven consecutive terms thereafter. Many residents and others who saw him on the bench for his 31 year career as justice remarked about his deep concern and caring. He was known to provide help for homeless victims and supply food to families. Justice Kohler’s sentences to young people often came with fatherly advice that was remembered for many years to come. Jack presided over many weddings and was frequently sought after to be the guest speaker or master of ceremonies at local events. He is perhaps best known to his friends for his remarkable wit and love of a good story. In addition to his years of law enforcement, Jack was the disaster coordinator for the Town of Hanover and the Village of Silver Creek, was a member of the Silver Creek Fire Department and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Farnham. He took on dangerous tasks, including blasting ice in Sunset Bay and the local creeks to ease flood waters. In his personal life, he will remembered for his love and devotion to his family. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a true joy to him. His truest love was his beloved wife Phyllis, whom he shared 60 beautiful years with. Jack will be remembered for his many hunting and fishing trips with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, including trips to Alaska and many other areas of the United States. Jack appreciated nature from gardens to mountain vistas. He also loved cars and motorcycles, often sharing his experience of driving on a NASCAR track with his son, John.