Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1951
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
James Welch Obituary
April 5, 1951 - May 28, 2025
James Hardy Welch ("Jim") passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Ariz. on May 28th, 2025. Jim was born on April 5, 1951, in Great Lakes, Ill. to Audrey and James Welch, and spent most of his life in Kenosha, Wis. He was a devoted husband to his wife Beth for 48 years and a proud and loving father to his daughter, Lisa.
Jim was known for his quick wit, stubborn spirit, and deep love for his family. He was fiercely loyal, generously opinionated, and never missed a chance to make someone laugh, often with a perfectly timed sarcastic comment or a lovingly terrible dad joke. A lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs, he shared countless game-day texts, trash talk, and celebratory (and not-so-celebratory) calls with Lisa, most memorably in 2016, when the Cubs won the World Series and they cried together over the phone. Whether he was singing along to his favorite songs on his Bose speaker, sharing memes on Facebook, or gleefully texting Lisa "Go Pack Go" whenever the Packers lost, Jim made sure his unique brand of connection was felt every day.
Jim is survived by his wife, Beth Welch of Mesa, Ariz.; his daughter, Lisa Welch and her husband, Casey Gilbert of Seattle, Wash.; and a circle of friends whose bonds spanned decades. He will be remembered for his humor, heart, and the way he showed love, not always quietly, but always fully. He leaves behind a family who will miss his presence dearly and carry his stories, quirks, and love with them forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 11th, at Slip 56 for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Welch
John Werner
June 13, 2025
Jim was complex yet simple. He was the best according playing, Coke original and Bud dinking buddy I had. He also considered himself Mr sheep´s. He was Mr Sheep´s and will be always remembered and missed. Best condolences to all family that´s is missing Jim too.
Jenniene Ritacca
June 12, 2025
I was sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing.
I grew up with Jim in Kenosha, we lived next door until they moved.
My parents owned the lot his parents bought & built the house on.
I remember his accordion playing & when he got his dog. We watched scary movies together & played with our trains in each other's basement. We also always went trick or treating together & never missed going to Forest Park where they had the big candy bars.
R.I.P Jimmy!
Roxanne Patrick
June 10, 2025
I am so sorry to hear Jim has passed. It was great seeing him at the Shriner Dinner last October. You have my deepest sympathy.
Bette Marie Morton
June 10, 2025
Jimmy's father was my cousin. His grandmother was my godmother. I miss seeing all the family at my grandmother's grand birthday picnics.
My deepest sympathy to Beth and Lisa.
Sue Spencer
June 10, 2025
Jim was my second cousin. I have not seen him since high school but I am sad to see this. My condolences to his family.
Sue Spencer - Kenosha, WI
Jim Rea
June 8, 2025
Spent allot of time with Jim in our 20s.kind of lost touch but the memories live on.
Carl Johanson
June 8, 2025
We will miss you buddy! You are one of the greats!
Mac mchalffey
June 8, 2025
What a wonderfully unique guy. If not for a balky putter, Jim could have achieved his dream of PGA touring pro
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in James Welch's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for James Welch
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Welch's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
