James Joseph Welch

It is with great sadness that the family of James Joseph Welch announce his peaceful passing on the morning of January 24th, after a long illness.

 

Jim was born in Niagara Falls, NY on September 30th, 1946. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Thomas V. Welch and his brother, Thomas. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University and later earned an MBA from Rutgers University. He spent his entire career in the Pharmaceutical Industry, working in Research, Development and Human Resources at Novartis Corporation.

 

Jim is survived and sadly missed by his loving wife Nancy, of 53 years; and his children Patrick (Trina) and Meghan (Scott). He will be forever cherished and remembered by his five grandchildren, Colin, Kelsey, Ryan, Teagan and Tierney, and six nieces and nephews; Tim, Katie, Maureen, Jerry, Jamie and Kate. Jim took an active role in his grandchildren’s lives, always sharing advice on life skills and encouraging them to follow their passion.

 

In 1966 he met the love of his life, his college sweetheart, Nancy. They first met in the romantic setting of the dining hall of St. Bonaventure. It might have been love at first sight, but more likely was a silly joke coming from the bookish science major which impressed Nancy. They were married in 1969 and soon welcomed their son, Patrick (1972) and daughter, Meghan (1973).

 

In his younger years, Jim loved water skiing, sailing, playing tennis and coaching his kid's sports teams. Jim retired at age 63, moved to Daniel Island, SC and became an avid golfer. He loved playing and watching golf! He also enjoyed watching his beloved college basketball team, the Bonnies.

 

Jim had a green thumb and he was extremely handy. He received great joy from gardening and doing DIY projects around the house. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and spent his spare time reading and researching topics of interest. Jim found great pleasure passing his knowledge onto his children and grandchildren.

 

Jim treasured his trips to Ireland and Scotland with Nancy and yearly family vacations with his children and grandchildren. Colorado and North Carolina lake vacations were some of the most wonderful family times together. He spent much of his time volunteering in community activities and organizations, in both Chatham, NJ and Charleston. He especially loved being a Creek Watcher for Charleston Waterkeepers as it perfectly paired his love for the outdoors with his science background.

 

Jim was a true gentleman who cared deeply for his family and will be dearly missed for many things, including his giving nature, sound advice, blue eyes, and kind soul. Jim will also be missed by Finnegan “Finny”, his beloved Australian Labradoodle, who laid by his feet and kept him company during the last few years of his life. Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten.

 

 

Family and friends are welcome to a funeral service and celebration of life at Saint Mary of the Annunciation in Charleston, SC, on Thursday, February 9 at 10:30 AM. Jim will be laid to rest in St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany, NY.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Charleston Water Keepers or One Eighty Place.