WELCH, James H. "Jim" - b. August 31, 1924 - d. June 20, 2011

[Marcia Moore]

James H. "Jim" Welch, age 86, a resident of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 20, 2011 at Via Christi Hospital in Wichita.  He was born on August 31, 1924 in Moline, Kansas, the son of Paul Joseph and Grace Mina (Fleming) Welch.  

He was a graduate of Elk Falls High School class of 1942. During World War II, Jim served as a Military Policeman in the United States Army, earning the rank of Sergeant.  While Jim was serving in the Army, he became acquainted with General Douglas MacArthur.  After his honorable discharge in 1947, Jim began a career as truck driver for Santa Fe.

On April 29, 1950, Jim was united in marriage to Dora Lee Porter in Hutchinson, Kansas.  They lived in Hutchinson, Dodge City, Great Bend and Emporia before moving to Wichita, Kansas in 1953.  Jim was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Wichita, Kansas.

Jim is survived by two sisters, Pauline Holzmeister of Salina, Kansas and Peggy Bajeu of Brookshire, Texas; several nieces, nephews and other close family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dora, on March 2, 2005; and 8 brothers and sisters.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery south of Moline, Kansas.  Viewing will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2011 and 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the funeral home.  Family suggests contributions to Harry Hynes Hospice and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements were entrusted to Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Howard, Kansas.

(Taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)