James Evan Welch

SOUTHLAKE, TX

James Evan Welch passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, at the Isle at Watermere in Southlake, Texas. Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 2:00PM, Friday, November 3, 2017, at The Bowden, Holly Chapel 1775 Keller Parkway, Keller, Texas 76248, with a reception to follow.

James was born on March 17, 1938, in Anson, Texas, the son of JY and Lucille Welch.

Jim graduated from Abilene High School in 1956, played on 'Team of the Century' that won 49 consecutive games and won the Texas 4A State Championship from 1954-1956.

He played for SMU from 1957-1960, and was picked by the Baltimore Colts in 3rd round of 1960 NFL draft. He played for the Colts from 1960-1967 and later the Detroit Lions in 1968.

After retiring from football, he began a successful career as a stockbroker in Baltimore and New York City. In 2001, he retired in Trophy Club, Texas and in 2010 was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and suspected CTE caused by brain injuries sustained during his football career.

He had a passion for many other sports, mainly tennis, racquetball, and golf. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends, grilling, performing tricks in the backyard pool, and howling in the evening to make the neighbors' dogs bark.

Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Welch.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Betty (Dvorak) Welch; seven children, Mark Welch, Laurie Leavoy, Carlyn Wilson, Elisa Sanchez, Kimberly Evans, Mark Evans, and John Welch; three brothers, David Welch, Jerry Welch, and Doug Welch; thirteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many friends.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, our family asks for donations to be directed to support the work of Dr. Sam Gandy.

"In Memory of Jim Welch"

https://philanthropy.mountsinai.org/neurology

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Abilene Reporter-News on Oct. 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for James Welch

Sponsored by Greenwood Funeral Homes - Cremation at Greenwood Memorial Park.

6 Entries

William S. Lewis, III

October 31, 2018

When I was a teenager in Towson, Maryland, my mother and father (Bill and Beulah Lewis) used to babysit Mark and Laurie when Jim played for the Baltimore Colts on Sundays. Jim was my hero, and I was deeply saddened to learn of his death just today. My sympathies are with the whole family, and the world has lost a fine man.

Bill (Little Billy) Lewis

Alton Pribble

October 22, 2018

Just found this a year late.
James and I bought a 1929 Buick together in high school for $50 each (I think). I also remember the time we went to Anson in my old '41 Cheve with he and Tom and their cousin (can't remember his name). I had been told not to go there and we slid off the muddy road into the ditch. We did some crazy stuff, like finding that we could drive the Cheve on the railroad tracks without falling off ( I think it was James' idea to try it). Tom and their cousin was in the car when a guy ran the stop sign at 5th and Grape and wrecked us.
He and his family were great folks. We went to church with them at North Park Church of Christ for many years.

November 2, 2017

Betty, heard the sad news about Jim's passing.I know what you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Chuck Colvin

November 1, 2017

One of the good guys. Blessings to the family. Prayers coming your way.
Chuck Colvin Long

Don J. Cummings

October 31, 2017

So sorry hear of Jim's passing. He was one of my old Army National Guard buddies in Abilene in the late 50's and a classmate of my wife Loveta Cummings (Alexander). We had many good times during those years and I enjoyed his friendship and kindness very much. May he rest in peace and his family comforted by his Lord.

Don J. Cummings
San Antonio, Texas

John Henderson

October 28, 2017

Met Jim and his wife during a painting job a their home. Both very nice.

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