AFFTON, Mo. – A community gathered in somber unity to honor fallen hero Captain Jim Cova, who was found dead at the Affton Firehouse 1. He leaves behind a legacy of courage and dedication.
“Jimmy was one of the greatest firefighters I have ever come to meet and role models. His love and compassion and knowledge for the job are gonna be truly missed,” paramedic firefighter Jimmy Cripps, Affton Fire Protection District, said.
Funeral services for Captain Cova were assisted by the Affton Fire Protection District and Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team, ensuring full fire services honors. Visitation was held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a firefighter walkthrough at 7:30 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home.
The public funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 18, at 11 a.m. inside the Kutis Chapel. Following the service, a solemn procession will travel from Kutis Funeral Home to St. Paul Churchyard. The route will go by Affton Firehouse 1, allowing Captain Cova to be driven through the firehouse one last time.
“The community’s been great with phone calls and flowers, gifts of food and drink and doing whatever they can to support us. Knowing that we support them so much,” Affton Fire Protection District Interim Fire Chief Aaron Rhodes said.
The community is encouraged to line the procession route to pay their respects as the procession moves east on Gravois Road, then onto Weber Road, South Laclede Station Road, and, finally, to St. Paul Churchyard.
Captain Jim Cova’s legacy lives through the Captain Jim Cova Foundation, created to support young adults through the fire academy and rescue animals. For more information on donating, CLICK HERE as firefighters honor Captain Cova through their ongoing dedication.
“I’m going to live life like he did. I loved his family…loved us,” engineer paramedic firefighter Jordan Levinson, Affton Fire Protection District, said.
Captain Jim Cova’s legacy of service and heroism will continue to inspire and resonate throughout the Affton community.
“His impact on this community is long and he will be greatly missed,” Rhodes said.
