Jamie Koch
Santa Fe native Jamie Koch worked in public service for nearly 50 years, spending about a decade as chairman of the New Mexico Game and Fish Department, serving three terms as a state representative and serving on the board of regents at the University of New Mexico for 13 years. During that time, helped found a hospital on campus.
Koch, 83, also served as chairman of the state’s Democratic Party in 2002 and has been active with community organizations such as the local Boys & Girls Clubs and the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce.
His achievements range from spearheading a cleanup at the Terrero Mine Superfund site near Pecos to implementing Project Search — an organization that helps people with disabilities become more employable. He’s authored a book about himself and other
Santa Feans who have figured prominently in the area’s political history. And he’s not finished. Koch now is working to develop a movement disorder center at the University of New Mexico, which could be “probably the biggest accomplishment ever,” he said.
“I don’t know if I’ll be around by the time they finish the movement center,” he said, “but I’ll do whatever I can to see that it comes to fruition. Everything I’ve tried to do is — if there’s an issue I feel strongly about, I want to fix it.”
This mindset defines much of the life of Koch, who recently was named one of four new Santa Fe Living Treasures.
A year ago, Koch was diagnosed
with Parkinson’s disease.
The disorder opened his eyes to the lack of care for patients with such conditions, he said, and
inspired him to work with legislators to introduce a measure calling for development of the movement disorder center to serve thousands of patients statewide.
Though he is best known for his work in politics and the public sector, Koch worked full time with Daniels Insurance for 46 years. He retired in 2014.
“I just feel like Santa Fe is a place that’s given me a lot of opportunity,” he said.
Still an athlete, Koch has participated in the Senior Olympics shot put competition since the 1960s and won a world championship in 2005.
He boxes three times a week and enjoys spending time hunting and riding horses in the Pecos Wilderness.
Parkinson’s has made it difficult to stay active, he said.
His two daughters and Nene, his wife of 59 years, are what keep him motivated, Koch said.
“My life’s purpose is to help people,” he said. “My passion is to get involved with something and make a difference.”