Jim Welch, 85, of Tyler, Texas, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, March 21, at Savannah Grand Memory Care in Bossier City, Louisiana. He grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, graduating from Fair Park High School. Jim began his career working at an auto paint shop. From there he transitioned into being an insurance adjuster for automobiles. He then continued his career with American Road, a Division of Ford Motor Company, and then the Insurance Division of Ford, where he remained for the rest of the 33 years he spent with Ford Motor Company.
A faithful Christian, Jim actively served the Lord at Green Acres Baptist Church for over 20 years. He loved serving in the church and helping others in need. He delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly every Monday for many years. He was passionate about his dogs, classic cars, and the LSU Tigers Football team. Jim is preceded in death by his father, John Edward Welch; his mother, Mary McFarland Shaw; his brother, John Welch, and his sister Susan Trangmar, and his mother and father in law, Josephine and Harold Cloud.
He is survived by his wife of 30 plus years, Margaret Cloud Welch; children James Welch, Jr., Jill Welch; Janet Welch Boyter and husband Charlie; step daughter Laurie McWherter Fontenot and husband Jerry; his sister Mary Welch Martin; his brother David Trangmar and wife Pepper. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Emily Cypher; Taylor Boyter and Tiffany; Jenie Evans and husband Cody; Nathan Boyter; and Carmen Fontenot Crawford and husband Marc. He leaves 8 great grandchildren: Addilynne Boyter; Lillyanne Boyter; Claire Cypher; Charlotte Cypher; Elijah Evans; Josey Boyter; Abrahm Evans; and Chanley Boyter. He is also survived by special cousins LeeJ Boudreaux and Ammer Gayle Whatley; brother in law Harold Cloud and wife Jung Suk, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews and countless friends.
His family and friends will cherish his memory always.