James E Welch, Sr.

James Emory Welch, Sr. passed away on August 9, 2022 in Lakeland Florida.  He was 95 years old. James was born on October 16, 1926 in Panama City, Florida to Jack and Estelle Welch.

He served in the Navy from 1944 - 1946.  He was employed by and retired from WR Grace in Bartow, Florida. James loved sports, watching classic shows, and spending time with his family. He was a beautiful example of kindness, gentleness and love.

He is survived by his children and their spouses Debby and Alan Caviness of Fishersville, Va, Viki and Kim McKinney of Lakeland, FL, James Emory Welch, Jr. and Jan Welch of Juneau, Ak; grandchildren and their spouses, Nathan and Rachelle Caviness of Bastrop, TX. Rebekah and Richard Saunders of Staunton, VA. Matthew and Jennifer McKinney of London, UK. Nicole Zamzow of Brandon, Florida, Jeremy and Jillene McKinney of Anacortes, WA, Amelia and Steele Strader of Lakeland, FL, Mylissa and James Lee of Lakeland, FL, Brianna Mckinney of Lakeland, FL, Haley and Jeremy Martin of Huntersville, NC, James Emory Welch, III and Ali Welch of Jacksonville,FL; great grandchildren, Daniel Caviness of Bastrop, TX, Christopher Caviness of Bastrop, TX, McKalia Bees of Staunton, VA, Michael Saunders of Staunton, VA, Colby McKinney of London, UK, Lyla McKinney of London, UK, Tyler Zamzow of Lakeland, FL, Amanda McKinney of Mt. Vernon, WA, Zachary McKinney of Anacortes, WA, Jordan McKinney of Anacortes, WA, Autumn Strader of Lakeland, FL. Noah Lee of Lakeland, FL, Levi Martin of Huntersville, NC, Luke Martin of Huntersville, NC, James Emory Welch, IV of Jacksonville, FL, Juliette Welch of Jacksonville, FL; siblings, Evelyn Shelton of Lakeland, FL and Kathrine Holcomb of Lakeland, FL; many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty Welch of Lakeland, FL; parents, Jack and Estelle Welch of Lakeland, FL; granddaughter Hannah McKinney of Lakeland, FL; sister, Delois Buchanan of Lakeland, FL.

We would love for you to donate to your church or favorite charity in lieu of flowers and in honor of our precious father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Services will be held at Lakeland Funeral Home on Monday, August 15, 2022.
Visitation from 1 PM - 2 PM, service at 2 PM.

Words of comfort may be expressed by clicking “Share a Memory” link.

---

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E Welch, Sr., please visit our floral store.