James Welch

James H. Welch of Waco passed away on September 3rd, 2017 of pancreatic cancer. There will be a private memorial service at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.

James spent most of his career as a financial representative for John Hancock Financial Services. He was the youngest employee to become a district manager of John Hancock. After retirement, Mr. Welch spent many hours playing golf. He also worked as a volunteer at the Cottonwood Golf course. James took his volunteer work quite seriously, at the time he became ill with cancer, he told the course he would miss about six weeks.

James was born in Chester, Arkansas. He is the oldest of five children. He and his wife, Frances, had recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Welch was preceded in death by his mother, Loretta Wakefield; step-father, Clifford Wakefield; and brother, Loyd Ray Wakefield.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Frances; sons, Michael James Welch of S. Carolina and Brian James Welch of New Hampshire; grandchildren, Carolyn Welch of Waco, and Oliver Welch of New Hampshire; brother, Bill Wakefield; and sisters, Martha Law, Kathy Henson, and Brenda Collins.

James loved the hills and mountains in South Western Arkansas and often spoke of building a cabin there to spend many of his golden years.

Memorial Service