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Gaffey Funeral Home

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Medford, Massachusetts

James Welch Obituary

Of Burlington, formerly of Medford, Dec 4. Beloved husband of the late Eleanor I. (McKenzie). Loving father of Dorothy Porcaro, Linda Crane both of Medford, Deborah Capuano of Wakefield, James Welch of Stoneham, Paul Welch of Winthrop, Susan McLaughlin of Reading, and Michael Welch of Burlington. Devoted brother of John Welch of Peabody, Anna Parlee of Maine, Elizabeth Creighton of Medford, the late Robert Welch and Margaret Baker. Cherished grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Gaffey Funeral Home, 43 High St, MEDFORD SQUARE, on Friday at 9 AM. Funeral Mass in Saint Clement's Church, Medford at 10 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting Thurs 4-8 PM. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Late WWII U.S. Navy Vet. In lieu of flowers donations in James' memory may be made to the Joslin Diabetes Foundation for Children, 1 Joslin Place, Boston MA 02215

Published by Boston Globe on Dec. 5, 2007.
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Thinking of you dad, mom and Linda. 15 minutes before New Years 2024. I miss you all so much. Mike orchestrated the second Welch family Christmas Party. He´s like you all about family
Love and missing you all always
Debbie

Deborah Winsor

Family

December 31, 2023

Dad,
It never gets any easier. 16 years today and I still miss you more than you could imagine. With Linda's passing it hits hard knowing the reality that our family is shrinking on one end while the other end grows. I know you have Linda with you now knowing she will have the best Christmas ever in heaven. I think of you often with many warm memories, but I still have a hard time dealing with losing you. You are irreplaceable and I have never met or known a better man than you. Well Done - Love Ya!

Your Shadow

Michael Welch

Family

December 4, 2023

Hi Dad
I am following Michaels beautiful message. Hard to believe it will be 15 yrs since you went home to be with God mom family and friends.
Your Shadow Michael has taken the baton and is now the leader of the band. Working hard to keep our family together. A big family Christmas party tonight that he orchestrated and paid for
The baby of the family is now the Dad of the family.
You and mom are so missed

Debbie

Family

December 3, 2022

Dad,

It's 2 days away from 15 years. I still have periods of grief that you are not here with us. Our family is not the same. Not sure why but this year it's hitting harder than normal, and I miss you so much that it hurts sometimes. Our country and our world are changing in so many ways. It's pretty sad on many fronts but we still live in the greatest country because of men like you, Uncle Sam, George and others in our family who stepped up. The Greatest Generation without a doubt! Jimmy and Josh are doing well. You would have loved Joshua's daughter Skylar and her personality. Terri is still the same beautiful woman/person and misses you as well. God Bless You, Mom, and the rest of our family in heaven until we are all reunited again. I love and miss you terribly Dad.

Your Shadow

Michael Welch

Son

December 2, 2022

14 Years approaching. Thinking of you today on your birthday. I miss your birthday parties that brought the whole family together as only your birthday's could. I miss and dream of you often wishing they were not just dreams. I have been listening to Jim Reeves all morning thinking of you. Terri, Jimmy, and Joshua miss you too. We all have fond memories from Park Street Court and Russell Circle. How blessed we were. I've tried but still can't perfect that omelet! I love and miss you big time!! Your not just my hero, but a hero in every sense of the word. Kleenex stock just went up.....Love Always,
Your Shadow

Michael Welch

August 12, 2021

Hi Pa, I miss you so much! Today is McKenzies 6th birthday! I can’t believe she’s this big, I wish you were still here to meet her. She’s sweet and witty, you would love her! xoxoxo
Lots love love to you Pa!

Katelyn

Grandchild

November 29, 2020

Dad, It's been too long putting an entry in here but know that you were the biggest influence in my life. I will never have the admiration and respect for any man the way I do for you. 13 years on the horizon and I am having repeated dreams about you , Mom, Uncle Sam and the rest of the family in heaven. Nobody will ever measure up to you as a father and PA. There have been too many times where I have needed you. Please give my love to Mom. I wish we could have done this for her as well. The back and forth with you and Aunt Anna was priceless. Love Always, Your Shadow.

Michael Welch

Son

October 6, 2020

12 years gone, 12 years of love and missing you in our hearts Dad. What a foundation of love and the importance of family you left behind. You would be so proud of all of us, though I know you are aware of it all from Heaven. "Well done" to you and Mom. Missing you so, still.....
Love Susie

Susan McLaughlin

December 4, 2019

Thinking of you today, Pa. Love you so much

Katelyn Welch

Grandchild

November 29, 2019

Well Dad, another year, 11 and still missing you so. Candles are lit, not that they are not lit on other days such as your birthday, Father's Day, and just plain old melancholy missing you still days, where a song or a word sets us all to memories of our times with you. What an impact you made on our lives. What a gift. What a blessing from above. So much love in this family for you. You live in the hearts of your children and ever so strongly in your grandchildren.
Well done with this family. Luv ya Dad,
Susie

Susan McLaughlin

December 4, 2018

Actually put the celery sticks in a glass of water on my Thanksgiving table because you were on my heart and missing you so while cooking.
Love you Dad....

Susie McLaughlin

November 25, 2018

Like most days, Im thinking about you! I miss you so much.

Katelyn Welch

Grandchild

November 24, 2018

Hi Dad
It's Debbie
I lit my candle for your 10th year yesterday with God
I read all the notes of love to you. We were so blessed to have you and mom. I just read what Katelyn wrote. You can feel her love as she wrote. I love that McKenzie knows you she is like mom
I'll miss you untillwe meet again.
Love Debbie

Deborah Welch winsor

December 6, 2017

My Pa, I miss you so much. I seriously don't know how it's been ten years. I would give anything to sit down and have tea with you and talk now that I'm an adult. What I would give to hear your voice and share stories. I hope you know and see how special you were to every single one of us. It certainly doesn't get easier missing you but you enstilled so much in your children and grandchildren the value of family. We are certainly so blessed to have had you. I know you visit Kenzie and I hope you know I tell her about you all the time. Love you so much, Pa. I wish I had you these last ten years.

Katelyn Welch

December 4, 2017

Just having a missing you moment. It happens all the time and I always forget I have this memory book as an outlet. As much as I know you'll live on through our stories we tell, there is nothing id love more than for Mckenzie to have met you. I love you tremendously, Pa.

April 19, 2016

Well Dad George has finally joined you hopefully up in Heaven. Both of you behave and wait for my arrival JJ

March 22, 2016

Dad it has been 8 years today that your vessel was enjoined with Moms.It was a sad day for your children but your spirit lives on thru your family.Your Grandchildren keep your memories alive and will pass on to their children. So as your family gathers this Christmas we will all be thankful to have had Mom and you in our life.

Love Jim

December 7, 2015

Always missing you, reminiscing, smiling with just a thought of you. Cooking for your family, Wednesday night pasta night for whoever showed up. Country music, Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline and more. How you loved your family - and how we miss your physical love for us - and now it is spiritual love. Your love and mom's lives within each or your seven children.
Thank you both for being such good parents.

Love you
Deborah

Deborah Welch Winsor

December 6, 2015

Hi Dad...just lit a candle for you on my alter. I can't believe it has been eight years today that God called you home. You are still very much alive in spirit and with all of us who love you so. Missing you...

Susie

Susan McLaughlin

December 4, 2015

Hey Dad it's Deb, a day late with a little note for your birthday - you were celebrated with many candles lit to your memory :-) Never forgotten - our granddaughter Ava celebrates your same day. As Susie always writes so well our heart felt feelings - WELL DONE Dad and mom too with the love and respect you instilled in us. We are all one, love, help and appreciation. There for each other all the time. Thanks to you both - from my heart to yours, until then. Great Love Debbie xo

Deborah Welch Winsor

August 13, 2014

Happy Birthday Dad,

God danced the day you were born and the Angels are singing today celebrating 91 years of a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many...You are forever woven in my heart and the hearts of your family back here that still miss you so...we will,as tradition will hold steadfast with all your loved ones, celebrate you and this great family of love, on Saturday...join us...:)
I love you and miss you so.
Susie

August 12, 2014

I know it has been many years since your dad passed, but I wanted to extend my condolences. I came across your Dad's obituary late last night. I didn't know your Dad, but your Mom and my Dad (Jimmy Goodwin) were first cousins. My Dad would tell me stories about his cousins, but especially the children of Hattie and Birdie I met your Mom back in the 70's at one of my Goodwin Family Reunions. I still do genealogy and that is how I came across your Dad's memory page.

I sat here and read all the comments. They were so moving and by the time I finished I had tears running down my cheek. The love for your parents overflow from the pages. Although you were blessed to have wonderful parents, they were blessed to have all of you and your undying love.

Your family reminds me of my own upbringing with all the love and traditions. I laughed when someone mentioned they had gone to a medium. Our family has done that also. I especially like Kevin Coan out of North Reading. I have been to one of his dinner shows and he was amazing. We also look for signs and ours is nickels. They show up in the strangest place and we also say they were sent my mom and dad.

Again my condolences.

Jill

Jill Goodwin Palmer

August 5, 2014

Will I couldn't find the legacy page yesterday. So I wrote on Facebook. Susie wrote here and now I can.
All that Susan wrote so beautifully is so true.
I cherish our memories with both you and mom. I can close my eyes and open my heart to a moment in time and feel uplifted. You and mom made a difference in this world by bring us up the way you did. So we carry on with values, respect, compassion and love of our family and our USA. Thanks for serving in WWll - your our hero. Love Debbie

Deborah Winsor

December 5, 2013

Six years ago Dad, each one of us lost a piece of our heart when we lost you...
Thanks to you and Mom you both live forever in our hearts and in this family, right down to your youngest great grandchild when we celebrate your life every August and pass along the blanket made in your honor. We all celebrate so many of the traditions started in this family by you and Mom. A true legacy Dad, well done.
I love you and miss you, six years still feels like yesterday. Say hello to Aunt Anna for me.
Love Susie

December 4, 2013

Ok, best sign that dad is listening. I asked him for a sign Dec 4th his 5th year in heaven. Not much happend, but on the 5th of Dec I was in a parking lot pulling in and in front of me an old white car - the plate said Dad-5-7. Ok 5yrs in heaven 7 kids. thanks Dad!!
Love is a powerful thing!!!! xo
Deb

December 6, 2012

To my family on the east coast. Please look for signs of your mom and dad being around. I was blessed to see a sign of my dad on my birthday. I truly believe signs are there. I can picture your dad and mom sitting at the table as I was telling them stories. Thier laughter was wonderful. I could never forget them as my bestfriend allowed me to be part of all your lives. There are truly blessing in this world. Love you all

Sissy Schmidt

December 5, 2012

Dad, Susie said it all, 5 yrs, time flys. We all miss you terribly and mom too. Your love of family has taught us all so much. We will all be in the Big LIGHT together sometime and love will fill and spill out of our hearts again. Love you so
Debbie

Deb Winsor

December 4, 2012

"I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts"
"Abadabadabdaba said the monkey to the chimp"
"I'll take you home again Kathleen"
"Oh Danny boy, the pipes the pipes are calling"
And how can we forget....."Oh ti doodley...doodley.....doodley...doodley
Just a few of the songs we miss hearing you sing and singing along with you. It's hard to believe it has been 5 years today Dad, yet still so much a part of our daily lives still. How you have touched our hearts so and live in each and every one of us. It's a joy to see it continue in the hearts of all your grandchildren. You and Mom have no idea of the legacy of love you left us. My heart is filled with gratitude for it and the gift God gave to all of us.

Missing you today and always,
Susie

December 4, 2012

Mom and Dad please take care of Danny till we get there

Jim Welch

September 1, 2012

I lit a candle for you yesterday. Celbrating Ava's birthday - she said happy birthday pa before blowing out her candles. You are in all of our hearts always. Will be having the Welch family cook out soon. Show up if you can! Love Deb xo

Deb Winsor

August 13, 2012

Happy Birthday Dad you hold my heart forever. I love you and miss you always.
Susie

August 12, 2012

To my second family, it is an honor to have shared childhood life memories with your family/dad/mom. I will always take away how much your dad loved the VFW and how all the whole family would go down and be with him on special days. Everytime I smell a pipe, I think of your dad. Mostly I remember how dad/mom always looked at each and very one of you with so much love. Your mom loved bingo and she got me to go with her and Linda one time.

A piece of my heart is always with my second family. I was very blessed to know each and everyone of you.

My largest blessing was walking away from your family with "MY bestfriend" Sue. It will be over 40+ years of friendship.

Your mom & dad where fabulous role models and trust me I did listen to them everytime I went into the house.

Love to you all. Your sister- Sissy

Sissy Tildsley

April 17, 2012

I miss you so Dad, we all do.
Susie

Susan McLaughlin

April 16, 2012

Terri said it all. Time does fly, who can believe 4 years have passed with out you physically in our lives. We know you are with us in spirit as well as mom.
We will all be together again some day. I just love the family you both created for us - we are a reflection of your love.
Always missed
Debbie

Debbie Welch

December 13, 2011

Dad,
We put up the tree last night. It is just not the same without you. All of us were thinking of you and missing you.
The time has gone by so fast... I can't believe it has been 4 years since you have been with us. Michael's heart aches for you still. You were such a great influence on him.
Jimmy and Josh still talk about you so often and miss you. Jimmy had his first wrestling match on Saturday. You would have been proud of him. He did awesome.
Love you & miss you!
Terri

December 12, 2011

Happy Fathers Day Dad....
I miss you so. Erin's wedding was beautiful and Evan did such a great job as their "preacher" marrying them! You would have been so proud. Michael missed having you here to celebrate the Bruins taking the cup!!!
You are in my heart, our hearts forever.
I love you,
Susie

June 17, 2011

Dad,
So many of us are missing you as of late. We gather and share our stories and memories that make us smile, laugh, and cry still. We still cry over Mom! I don't think we'll ever stop crying! They are happy tears mostly, but in truth a few sad as it is still such a deep void in our lives not having you here. You and Mom raised a great family with all the right values in life. I am grateful to both of you for the foundation of love all of us continue to follow even though you and Mom are not here on earth.
Erin is sad you won't be at her wedding, but she knows you will be there in spirit as we all do. Chivas for everyone!
Missing you lots.
Love Susie

Susie

February 19, 2011

Can't believe it's 3 yrs and your granddaughter's are drinking Chivas now!!! You are so missed by all. Candles were lit and prayers were said. I talk to you and mom all the time - love you both so much
Deborah xo

December 5, 2010

Hi Pa,
I can't believe it's been three years. I miss you so much. Erin is on her way to get me so we can bring some chivas to celebrate your life. We love and miss you so much!

Katelyn & Erin

December 4, 2010

I went to see Lisa Williams last night
a medium who can get messages from those who crossed over -- mom and dad were both quiet, but it was very powerful and emotional - I know they are with us everyday. I feel and know their presence. Just would like some words :-)
Love and missing Jim and his honeypot
Deb

November 20, 2010

I love and miss you more everyday, Pa.

Katelyn

November 19, 2010

Remembering you on Fathers Day Dad. You are in my heart and my thoughts always. I love and miss you more than words can express. My world is not the same without you in it. Happy Fathers Day my precious Dad...

Susan McLaughlin

June 19, 2010

Hi Dad,
Susan is losing it!!!! But I love the song - lol xoxoxox
Deb

March 5, 2010

Ohhhhh ti doodily, doodily, doodily. doodily,doodily,doodily, doodily, doodily. doodily, doodily, doodily, do....ti doodily doodily doodily do....up the field with the ball!

Susan McLaughlin

March 3, 2010

Dad,

Been missing you a great deal lately. You have been on my mind and heavy on my heart. We were talking about you the other night and Evan was remembering how you would always tell him "you have to have a few bucks in your pocket" every time you gave him a few bucks! Erin and Evan still miss you so,Dad. We all do.
I love you

February 10, 2010

Missing you Dad.

Mike and Terri had to put Jessie down. Another connection to you that we are all feeling the loss. We celebrated Debbie's birthday (on Mom's birthday) at the VFW. She was so surprised. You would have loved it! Aunt Anna came down and Aunt Betty, Aunt Mary, and even Aunt Nancy were there. It's still so very hard to be there without you and seeing all your friends.
I love you. Give Mom a kiss for me.

Susie

September 29, 2009

Pa,
I miss you way too much...love you tons forever and always. wish i could just hug you.
love always,
Katelyn

Katelyn Welch

August 21, 2009

Hi Dad,
I read Susie's note today. I was listening to Patsy Cline on the way to work today singing out loud "Crazy" and missing you lots.
The memorial cook out we all look forward to. This year something special will take place -- all about you.
Love and miss both you and mom so much.
Debbie

Deb Capuano

August 5, 2009

Hi Dad,

I think we are all feeling the same right about now.....your birthday will be here soon. Dad we'll be having the BBQ at Michaels to celebrate you, just like we always have. It's funny, how we always just know to come together as a family for so many family traditions. I love that about us and I love you and Mom for our family and the values you both passed along.
I love you and miss you so.
Susie

August 4, 2009

Happy Father's Day Dad!
I just lit a candle for you to burn for the day. This would normally be a day of gathering at Michaels to spend with you and our family. I miss that and I miss you.
I love you Dad,
Susie

June 21, 2009

Another Fathers Day without you in our sight - I know you are with us in spirit. Can't hug a spirit.
I miss you dad.
Love Debbie

June 20, 2009

Dad,

I dreamed of you,although you already know that. Seeing you and hugging you was so very real. You came walking in my front door with your usual "Hi Susie" I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to let go of you. When you were gone I cried so hard in my dream I woke myself up. We all miss you so much Dad. Your buddy graduates this year. He and Erin miss you terribly. Erin talks about it, but Evan keeps it all close inside. He wants a tatoo for graduation. His friend drew it for him. It's a cross with a heart. There's a banner across the heart that will read RIP PA. He's a tea drinker you know....he makes me laugh when he taps his spoon stirring the tea, brings the spoon to his mouth, sips and wipes his bottom lip with the spoon and says to me "who am I Mom!" We laugh together! You have made such an impact on my children, all of our children, and their children. There is such a void without you. I love you. Mom too, I know she would have loved my garden. I feel her presence still. XOXO
Susie

May 28, 2009

Just needed to see your name --fathers day is coming and I see all the cards in the stores -- I so miss buying you a card -- I miss you so much.
Love Deb

May 27, 2009

Just needed to see your name --fathers day is coming and I see all the cards in the stores -- I so miss buying you a card -- I miss you so much.
Love Deb

Deb Welch

May 27, 2009

Dad,

I miss you so very much. I love you.

Susie

April 30, 2009

Dear Susan and Family:
Please except my condolences on the loss of your Dad, I am very saddened t hear the news. Your parents were both very wonderful people and thinkingof them brings back many fond memories. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy (Barretto) Mandarini

Nancy Mandarini

March 18, 2009

Dad,

I started reading a book this weekend that was given to me as a gift at Christmas this year. The story is heartwarming, sad, funny and shares the simple truths of life, family, what is important, and what is not. Almost every page I read brings me home and to the values that so remind me of you and Mom. We are truly blessed to have had the both of you in our lives. You with your never ending supply of support and example of family first, and Mom with her words of wisdom and humor. She truly was funny especially when she was with her own sisters! We had our annual lady's weekend and I understand more and more each year what Mom felt when she was with her sisters and why she enjoyed her time with them so. Time has not yet softened the pain of loosing you, but we all smile (and cry) when we get together and share our memories of you. You have built a foundation that is unyielding in all of us, from your children, to our children and our children's children. There could not be a stonger bond in this family and it's all because of you and Mom. I love you and miss you so. Thanks for the birthday wishes, it is a big one! And yes you still make the best fried dough! Give Mom a kiss and a hug for me and tell her I remember, always, being her little "chicken"

Susie

February 23, 2009

I can't sleep, and I wanted to check to see if anyone has posted lately. I cant stop thinking about you, Pa, I just wish i could walk into a room and hear you yelling for your kiss. I'm listening to "He'll Have to Go." This song makes me feel like you're here...I can still hear you singing along to it, off key, but I loved that. I'd give anything to hear it again...I'm out in the real world now and life is tough, theres so many things I wish you could know about my life right now...I just hope you know how much you really inspired my life and how much I look up to you...and you know I love your breakfast more than my dad's. :) I love you always Pa, you don't understand how much I miss you. xoxo love ya, Katelyn

Katelyn Welch

February 20, 2009

You are my one and only Honey Bunny. Miss you, your smile, your laugh and the kindness in your eyes.
From Your Honey Bunny

Sylvia Martignetti

December 14, 2008

Everyone at VFW 1012 misses Honey Bunny

Michael Thomas

December 6, 2008

Dad,

It is the eve of your 1st year anniversary. I can't believe you have been gone for a year. I have so much to say. I miss you more than you could possibly imagine, but know this. You are always in my heart and always a part of me. People can say how much there parents inspire or have taught them. I live it every day because you are a part of me. You gave everything to your family first and took only if there was something left for yourself. You are the most unselfish person I have ever known. I have Jim Reeves on in the background, can you hear? I wish you could. I wish I could pour you a drink. I wish I could watch a fight with you. Your buddies Jimmy and Joshua miss you too. They are getting big. I get a kick out of how you thought we were taking care of you. It was a two way street as you took care of us as well, but I owe you so much more. I'll never get to repay you for what you have done for me. I loved sharing this home with you although it will never be the same. I love my children with all my heart, but know it's from learned behavior by watching and learning from you. I am proud to have learned from the best! I wish missing you didn't have to hurt so bad, but incredibly I carry your strength in me. I'll be with you tomorrow morning. I hope to feel your presence. Want to have breakfast? My heart is heavy now as I have to say goodbye. The cross is over my heart. I LOVE YOU BIG TIME DAD!

Your Shadow

Mike Welch

December 3, 2008

Pa,
It's coming up to be a year since you've passed. I know you're in a better place watching down on everyone you love, including me. This year has been so different without you. My graduation was not the same being with family and not seeing you there. i see so many things that remind me of you and i know that you’re showing me you're still with me. there are so many times where i wish I could just drive up to see you but I still can just feel you with me, and that makes it so much easier to get through the day. the realization that you're really gone has already hit me but that doesn't mean i'm not close to you anymore. I've had so many dreams that feel real and i know this is your way of getting through to me. It has been hard not being able to see you for a year but yet every day i feel your company. You’re love and kindness has been passed down to everyone you love and I know in twenty years I’ll still think of the man that, even through pain, shared love to anyone who was willing to acccept it. You’ve truly touched my heart and continue to everyday. So it has almost been a year, but that’s a year that you’ve lived in my heart. I love and miss you more everyday, until you grace me again with your presence.
Love always, Katelyn

Katelyn Welch

December 1, 2008

We had a cookout at our house on Sunday and it was not the same without you there. The family being all together is what you loved best.
We met about 10 new Welch's that you would have really enjoyed. I miss you Dad.
love
Terri

Terri Welch

August 29, 2008

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you and miss you so very much

Susie

August 12, 2008

Dad,

I dreamed about you last night. We were walking behind a huge tree that someone was carrying in front of us. I became frightened at the possibility of it falling and grabbed your hand to pull us back. We went in the opposite direction of the tree and oddly enough another tree snapped and fell and you called out to me. A message perhaps? Uncle John, your brother just passed. Another branch of our family tree gone....thanks for the visit. I miss you and find it unbearable at times. I still can't believe you are gone. How are we going to spend our Father's Day without you? I can't even watch the Red Sox play, because I watched the games with you....but I hear they're kicking butt!
I love you Dad XOXO

Susie

Susan McLaughlin

June 6, 2008

Dad I miss you i TOLD YOU HOW I FELT WHILE YOU WERE WITH US. YOU NEED TO KNOW I MISS YOU MORE NOW YOUR SMIRK WHEN SOMETHING WAS FUNNY ,YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR CHILDREN .GREAT AND GRAND CHILDREN. I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU . YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MY KNIGHT IN SHINNING ARMER

dottie porcaro

June 5, 2008

I wanted to say a few things I will always remember about Dad. I never thought of him as my father-in-law. He always made me feel like his daughter. I was "hon" not Terri to him. We were blessed to have him live with us in our home. He loved boxing and baseball. He always was bobbing and weaving in his chair during the fights. He looked like he wanted to be there in the ring. His passion and his love was for children. He adored and cherished his children grandchildren and great grandchildren like no one I have ever known. My sons Jimmy & Joshua will always have special memories to cherish of "Pa" Only until the last couple of years with all his illnesses he would cook breakfast for them every morning. He made the best breakfast. Omeletts, french toast, and his famous fried dough. For a while he was a regular breakfast cook at the VFW in Medford with all of his buddies. What really amazed me most about him was with all the pain he was in he never complained. Physical or emotional he just wouldn't complain. I'm sure it was due to his tough upbringing as a child and young man. Most good men would submit to what he went through. He was always uplifting and cheerful to us at the house. He had a great sense of humor and loved jokes and sharing jokes. He loved the give and take of teasing. He was real good at the giving part!! These are some of the memories I will miss most. Our home is not the same without you. Miss you!!

Terri Welch (daughter) -in-law

January 22, 2008

I would like to express my sympathy to Mike,Teri, Jimmy, Josh and his brothers and sisters. I have worked with Mike for the better part of 18 years and I got to know his father through Mike and he was one of the nicest people I ever met. I used to get together once in awhile to watch fights over Mike's house and his father really knew his stuff about boxing. It was a pleasure knowing him and he would always welcome me with a handshake and start talking about fighting. If you need any example of how good a man he was, just look at how good his kids turned out. Rest in peace, Mr. Welch, you will be missed!

Ernie Mason

January 19, 2008

My Dad lead by example. I am the person I am today because of that example, always present. I am forever grounded in his principles of love, the importance of family first, and passing this teaching on to my children and their children, as my Dad has done with perfection and in harmony. He is my hero in every sense of the word. A very bright light has gone out in my world which will never be the same without my Dad in it. But I am certain that Heaven's light is shining a little brighter now that my Dad has entered it's gates.
I've no doubt that in Heaven he'll find "A lovely bunch of coconuts" Sing the song for them in Heaven Dad!
I love you and miss you with a hurt that goes beyond deep.

Susie

Susan McLaughlin

January 14, 2008

To the Welch Children,
I knew your father through my contacts with you, his children. Over a 20 year period I would find myself in his presence at times at parties or at his grandchildren’s dance recitals etc. I remember when talking with him how much I felt that my own father and he must have had many of the same experiences. I remember his laugh and how his physical stature was no indicator of his strength. He was the embodiment of “ big things come in small packages”.
I guess it is important to know that those of us who only briefly knew someone such as your father were impacted by his presences and carry fond memories of him.
Please be comforted in knowing that he is still alive in the thoughts of all who met him and we hope that the future brings peace to your minds and the memories of him brings warmth to your hearts.

Chuck, Pat & Christopher Johnston

Chuck Johnston

December 11, 2007

December 9, 2007

Pa, I love you. You truly were one of a kind and no matter who you met they had to like you, you really loved your family and you're the reason we're all so close. All of the family cookouts were because you wanted us all together just to have a good time. You're still alive in my heart and many other hearts and the love will last forever. Not a day will go by that you won't be on my mind with all the memories I've had with you. You always made sure i was safe and made sure I was taken care of and the love you gave me will carry on and will help me share that love that was so strong. No other Pa could replace you, ever. There is not a man alive that I know that would care for his children, grandchildren and family the way you did. I thank God for blessing me with a Pa like you, I wouldn't ask for anyone better. I love you and miss you so much.

Katelyn Welch

December 9, 2007

We were saddened to hear about the passing of Uncle Jimmy. We are thinking about you all during this difficult time and sending our heartfelt sympathy.
With Love,
Chris, Colleen, Aliya, Ashlyn and Brielle

Chris Brinkley

December 7, 2007

Sending the whole family our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Marc, Trudy, Marc Anthony Brinkley, And Else Watson

Marc and Trudy Brinkley

December 7, 2007

Pa is happy and at Home.
Love and prayers to you all, Bill & Vikki Hefler
"Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted."
Matthew 5:4
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word
of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
~1 Thessalonians 4:13-18~
"To live in the hearts of those you leave behind is not to die" Robert Orr

Vikki Hefler

December 7, 2007

Mr. Welch,
Sir, I didn't know you but I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and for being a member of the Greatest Generation. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Mike Casey

December 7, 2007

We are all so very sorry for your loss...

With Love, Melissa, Mario, Dan, Uncle Butch, Jason, Samantha, Judy, Courtney, Adam, Becky, Craig, Alcemar & Maggie

December 6, 2007

Dear Debbie and Family:
We didn't know your Dad, but I'm sure he was one great man to produce such a caring Daughter as you. Franny and I send our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. We are so sorry. You have a wonderful heart and we appreciate all you do for us.
Please know that we are thinking of you in this time of sorrow.
Love Franny and Bob Spitaleri

Franny & Bob Spitaleri

December 6, 2007

To Debbie and Family,
We send our deepest sympathy to you all. Your Dad was a special man who headed a special family. A man's legacy is not only the way he lived his life but also the good people that he brought into the world. Based on that, Jim Welch's legacy deserves very high praise.
God bless you all.
Dom Viscione
And the members of
The Reminisants

Dom Viscione

December 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Judy Reid

December 6, 2007

Debbie and Family my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Cataldo

December 6, 2007

Susan---Our sincere condolences ---Steve and Richard Clayman

Richard I. Clayman

December 6, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies on your Dad's passing. He is at peace and is now with your beloved Mom. On the few occassions I met your Dad, he was the sweetest, gentlest man; he was simply delightful.

Susie Mac, Deb, Linda, Dotty, Jim, Paul and Michael, my thoughts and prayers are with you during your grief.

In love & friendship,
Kathy Pendleton

Kathy Pendleton

December 6, 2007

To my second family:
No bond is as great as that between a father and a child.

My memories of dad will be:
his laughter, deep conversations on life, his encouragement to be happy, and the deep love for his family & friends. I truly will miss him.

My sympathy and love to all.

Sissy Schmidt/Tildsley

December 5, 2007

So sorry we could not attend the services. We will miss Uncle Jimmy and the reunions. You are all in our prayers!

Buddy and Maureen Brinkley

December 5, 2007

Jim was the best!

John & Gerry Simpson

December 5, 2007

Prayer From The VFW Ritual:
Eternal Father, giver and sustainer of life, we come before You in the joy of our Faith and in thanksgiving for the life of James C. Welch. We commend the soul of our departed Comrade to You. Lord, we ask You to help us honor the memory of James C. Welch by service to the living.
Amen.
Rest In Peace Comrade.
(Salute)

Chaplain,
VFW Post 1012
Medford

December 5, 2007

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

The Staff of Gaffey Funeral Home

December 5, 2007

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