Captain James Louis “Jim” Cova was born on November 14, 1969. He passed away on July 9, 2024, in his bunk room after responding to several emergency calls.

Jim attended St. George Catholic School in Affton, Missouri, for his elementary and middle school education. He graduated from Bayless High School in 1988. His leadership qualities were evident as he served as class president, and his warm personality earned him “Best Smile.”

Captain Cova began his 28-year firefighting career in 1996 with the City of Berkeley Fire Department. In 1997, he moved to the City of Frontenac Fire Department. In September 2001, Jim returned to his hometown with the Affton Fire Protection District, where he proudly served the community for the next 23 years.

Jim was a firefighter/EMT, firefighter/paramedic, hazmat tech, engineer, lieutenant, and in 2011 was promoted to captain. Jim achieved the level of Missouri State Fire Officer II and Chief Officer II certification from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Jim lived to inspire love for the fire service. Whether it was giving a fire safety assembly, saving a cat from a tree, or running into a burning building to save lives, Jim was driven by a deep sense of duty to help others.

In 2020 and 2024, he was honored as “Firefighter of the Year” by the Affton Elks and AFPD. He was also recognized as the Affton-Lemay Chamber of Commerce’s “2024 First Responder of the Year.”
Jim was a calm, selfless, fair leader, an extraordinary firefighter, and a dedicated hard worker who never asked anything of his crew that he wouldn’t do himself. He loved every aspect of his work as both a firefighter and a leader, living by his motto: If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.

However, his greatest pride and joy was his family, and he embodied the spirit of the ultimate family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Alanna, and his two daughters, Alyssa and Kelsey. Throughout his life, he was his family’s biggest supporter, whether in athletics, academics, or social endeavors.

Jim cherished quality time, whether it was family trips to visit Buc-ee’s, an adventurous vacation to Orlando, or road trips with unique pitstops he researched weeks before along the way. He enjoyed cheering on everyone at sporting events, enjoying a funny movie, and of course, no moment was complete without his witty dad jokes, told three times and followed by his little chuckle that brought a smile to everyone’s face.

He was the ultimate family man, the true definition of a Hometown Hero, and his legacy will never be forgotten.