Jimmy D. "Jim" Welch

Jimmy D. Welch entered his heavenly home on June 28,2025 after an 8-year battle with congestive heart failure.

Jimmy was born in Columbus, Ohio on September 6, 1957, to the late James E. Welch and Shirley A. (Thomas) Welch.

Jimmy was a very dedicated family man, very close to his daughters, Jennifer & Rachel and loved playing with and talking to his 7 grandkids (and pranking them on occasion!). He loved watching them participate in whatever sport they were involved in and rarely missed a game. Jim and the love of his life, Celeste, were seldom seen apart. Their last moments together were on their vacation to Florida.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Celeste, of nearly 47 years; daughter, Jennifer (Rex) Payne; daughter, Rachel (Brandon) Flick; 7 grandchildren, Victoria, Alexander, & Gabriel Payne; Isabella, Hunter, Finnegan, & Sophie Flick; sisters Kimberly Fridenmaker; Bridget (Sean) Martin; brother-in-law Steve McCulty; 3 nieces & 6 nephews; and great nieces & nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by granddaughter Eva Flick, mother Shirley Welch, father James Welch, sister Zondra Daum, and nephew Douglas Martin.

Jimmy graduated from West High School in 1975 where he played varsity baseball and his team won the state championship his senior year. He loved the OSU Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds. For many years, in his younger days, he played and coached the men's softball team at Memorial Baptist Church. He also loved fishing and bowled in several leagues over the years. He and Celeste enjoyed 2 cruises together and many beach vacations. He particularly enjoyed the ocean.

His career began at General Motors, followed by many years as a dispatcher for American Business Equipment and Danka. He retired from his position in 2022 as production manager at TSYS.

Jim (and Celeste) served for 10 years as AWANA Sparks Directors at Memorial Baptist Church, where he was a member for nearly 30 years.

A Visitation/Memorial Service will be held on July 26, 2025 at Memorial Baptist Church, 2435 Eakin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204. Visitation will be from 3:00-4:00 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00 pm. Tom Wright, Pastor Emeritus, officiating.