James Welch

James Edward Welch, 83, was born on November 9, 1941, to the late James Welch and Jeffie Johnson.

He departed this earthly life on January 14, 2025. James held the 23rd Psalm as his favorite scripture.

He was enlisted in the Marines, he served in Desert Storm, and retired from the National Guard Reserve.

He first attended St. James Baptist Church, followed by Wesson Street COGIC, Morning Star Baptist Church, and ultimately, First Church of God. He enjoyed church, reading the Bible, fishing, grilling, traveling on vacation, listening to music, and eating pancakes.

His favorite pastor to listen to on the radio was Gilbert Earl Patterson.

Preceding him in death were his mother, Jeffie Johnson; his father, James Welch; his brother, Jimmy James Welch; and his sisters, Ammie Kimble, and Bobbie Ruth Welch.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Pearl Welch; stepdaughters, Andrean Villegas, Tonuette Green, and Shegala Montgomery, survived by his first wife Annie Marie and their children Jacqueline Welch-Barton, Pamela Welch-Clark, and Rose Marie Johnson; God-Daughter Camille Clemons; his sisters, Earnestine Hill, Christine Welch, Susie Malone and Linda Burgie, all of El Dorado, AR; and his brother, Joseph Welch, of Houston, TX. Six Grandkids and Eight Greatgrand kids and a host of nieces and nephews.