James Russell Couch was born on June 10, 1929 in Alvarado, TX. He grew up on a farm and participated in 4-H extracurricular activities in school which sparked his interest in agriculture. He attended John Tarleton Agricultural College for his freshman and sophomore years of college from 1928-1929. He transferred in 1920 to the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas [TAMC] and finished his B.S. Degree in Agriculture in June 1931. James Russell Couch was employed at the Texas Agricultural and Experiment Station in September 1931 as an assistant poultry husbandman. He continued with his education through TAMC and received a M.S. in chemistry in June 1941.

In June 12, 1941, James Russell Couch was enlisted into active duty as a First Lieutenant in the Infantry in the Organized Reserve Corps. He was assigned to the Military Training Division of the 5 thService Command from 1941-1945 and was a military instructor for infantry units and officers.

In 1946, James Russell Couch went back to school at the University of Wisconsin and earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Poultry Nutrition in August 1948. He was hired at TAMC and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station [TAEX] as a Professor of Poultry Husbandry and Biochemistry & Nutrition in September 0f 1948. He taught at Texas A&M [TAMC] for 26 years and retired in 1974. He died on January 23, 1991, leaving his wife, Velma Couch, and two sons.

*extra biographical information and photographs found in “Remstar Clippings Biographial file: Couch, James Russell” found at Cushing Memorial Libraries and Archives.