On May 25th, 2026 I lost my best friend and love of my life. We were married for 46 years but together longer than that. My heart is forever broken. James was born on March 7th 1948 and passed away on May 25th after battling a heart infection and surgeries in Ocala, Florida. James was born to Oliver Alton and Mary Odell Fulcher Welch in Americus, Georgia. He grew up in Georgia, Virginia and Jacksonville before moving to Key West. He graduated from Key West High School and joined the US Army in 1967. After serving in the Army he returned to Key West where he ran the Fuel Farm at Boca Chica US Naval Air Station for 27 years servicing all military planes, ships, vehicles and all equipment. After retiring he obtained his Fishing Captains license and became a charter boat captain. James loved being on the water fishing and I’m sure that’s what he is doing in Heaven now. Coach James as his players called him, was involved with Key West Little League baseball and football for many years. He also served as President of the League. James was proceeded in death by his Mother Mary, Father Oliver, and Brother, Edward Bell. He is survived by his wife Anita, daughter Scarlett Welch of Jacksonville, son Jimmy Welch (Vickie) of Middleburg, son James Welch Jr. (Lauren) of Orlando, brother-in-law’s Crawford Banks (Leslie), Raymond Gilbert (Toni) and Joseph Gilbert (Susan) Grandchildren include Jerome Wilkinson, Christina Henderson (Dylan Witt), Dalton Henderson, Katlin Maynor (Evan), Courtney McCarty, Cody Welch, and James David Welch. Great Grandchildren include; Brayden Wright, Elias Reyes, Cyris Witt, Malakai Witt, Makaela Witt, Kyra Witt, and Elowyn Witt, all of Odessa, Texas, Dakota Maynor, Addilynn Maynor, Ellianna Maynor, Emery Maynor, of and Jaxson McCarty from Middleburg, Florida. James also had a niece Glenda Proffitt, from Madison Heights, Virginia and a nephew Edward Bell from Elon, Virginia, The Banks Family; Jennifer, Anthony, and Kimberly, and the entire Barrios Family; Carmen, Robert, Steven, Danny, Donny, and Brian, numerous cousins and his loyal Golden Retriever Crown Royal. James was a member of the Key West Loyal Order of Moose where he also served as the Governor for serval terms, The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6th at Dean Lopez Funeral Home, viewing from 2pm to 3pm, service to follow, and then graveside service at the Key West Cemetery. The family will also be having a Celebration of Life at El Siboney on Stock Island starting at 5pm. We encourage all of his fishing buddies to wear fishing shirts for James as “The tides called, and he answered.”