James “Jimmy” Welch, age 70 of Wolf Point, MT has completed his journey in life and made it home to the Lord on the evening of June 6, 2021. Jimmy was surrounded by his loving and caring wife, Daphne and his baby boy, Chad and his immediate family members. Jimmy was loved and will be missed by many.
Jimmy was born in Poplar, MT on July 23, 1950 to Robert F. and Beatrice E. Welch. Jimmy loved to ride bulls and bronc ride and was an all-around cowboy. He took first place in many competitions and had numerous #1 belt buckles to show for it. Jimmy loved to make floats during Stampede with his family and placed first many times and had many ribbons.
After his educational endeavors, he earned his degree in Doctor of Motors. He started working for the Ford Automotive Dealership in Wolf Point as auto mechanic for several years. He then started picking weeds for Fort Peck Housing Authority, working his way up to West End Supervisor from Tule to Wiota. He most recently retired due to medical reasons after 33 years with FPHA.
Jimmy married Cheryl Brunelle and of the union, James, Eric, and Robert John Welch were born.
Jimmy then married Cindy Azure and was married for many years, out of this union one son, Chad and one daughter, Jami were born. He also raised several grandsons as his own who he loved and cherished.
Jimmy is married to Daphne Welch and they have two loving children, Aliyana and Gary. Jimmy immediately fell in love with them, which helped rejuvenate his spirit of life, he did so much with his wife and children prior to his departure.
Jimmy was unconditionally kind, loving, and had a generous heart and never expected anything back from anyone. Jimmy was a father figure to many. He loved spending time visiting with his wife, son, brother, sisters, his uncle Max, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His greatest achievement in life was being able to be the best husband, dad, grandfather and provider he could be for his family.
Jimmy was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent his free time hunting and cruising the country side with his wife Daphne and children, and his son Chad and grandchildren. He loved being outdoors in the presence of mother nature, listening to ole country music. The hunting crew, especially ole Betsy, will miss him deeply and will never be the same. Barrett “Bugsy” Welch held a special place in Jimmy’s heart, he would come hunting every fall.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Eric Welch and Robert John Welch; siblings, Rose Welch Harden, Sarah Welch, Dennis Welch, and many loving relatives.
He is survived by his wife, Daphne; siblings, Robert Welch, Edith Welch Bigleggins, Clara Welch, Louise Welch Strickland, Roxanne Welch, and Carol Welch; children, James Welch, Chad (Johnna) Welch, Jami (Coey) Walker, Aliyana Welch and Gary Welch; grandchildren, Eric, Angelina, Miracle, Chasan “Baby Chad”, Chase and Monto. Jimmy also leaves many nieces, nephews, and many loving relatives behind.
A special thanks to Murando LeCompte, Jimmy’s brother-in-law for being his arms and legs when no one else could.
“Cowboys never die, they fade away”
A wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at the Wolf Point Community Hall. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.