James Westley Welch: The Quiet Man Behind a Hollywood Legend
Born January 29, 1937 — Died November 23, 2019, at 82James Westley Welch is a name that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves when people talk about Hollywood history. But without him, one of the screen’s most iconic legends — Raquel Welch — might never have become the woman the world remembers. James was much more than “Raquel Welch’s first husband.” He was her first love, the father of her children, a self‑made man with strength and quiet dignity, and someone whose life story is heartfelt, inspiring, and deeply human.
James passed away on November 23, 2019, at the age of 82 — a date that marks the end of an era for a man who lived outside the glitz yet left an unforgettable impact on his family and those who knew him.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | James Westley Welch |
| Also Known As | Jim Welch |
| Birth Date | January 29, 1937 |
| Birth Place | Pike County, Missouri, USA |
| Death Date | November 23, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 82 years |
| Parents | Hiriam Joseph Welch (father), Doris Latanne Hilburn (mother) |
| Spouse (1) | Raquel Welch (m. 1959–1964) |
| Spouse (2) | Jean (name widely reported) |
| Children with Raquel | Damon Welch (son), Latanne “Tahnee” Welch (daughter) |
| Children with Jean | Reportedly one son |
| Occupations | Publicist, Agent, Real Estate Developer |
| Net Worth (est.) | Approx. $40 million (estimated peak) |
| Known For | First husband of Raquel Welch, father of his children, successful businessman |
The Early Years: Ordinary Roots, Extraordinary Heart
James Westley Welch was born on a cold winter day — January 29, 1937, in Pike County, Missouri, USA. He came from a humble background. His father was Hiriam Joseph Welch, and his mother was Doris Latanne Hilburn. Growing up in the heart of mid‑century America, life wasn’t about fame or spotlight; it was about hard work, community, and making the most of every opportunity.
From an early age, James wasn’t one to chase headlines. He was grounded, practical, and a bit of an adventurer — traits that would define him throughout his life. Some reports say that even as a young man, he wasn’t afraid to take unconventional paths, including periods working outside of conventional jobs like fishing and later building a career in business and real estate.
Love at First Sight: Meeting Raquel
One of the defining chapters of James’s life began in sunny San Diego, California. He met Jo Raquel Tejada — later known simply as Raquel Welch — when both were teenagers at La Jolla High School. He was reportedly playing football; she was a radiant presence cheering from the sidelines. Two young hearts found something real in each other’s company.
They were youthful and innocent, full of dreams and possibilities. Raquel once said memories of James remained some of her fondest, describing him as her “first true love.” Their connection was the kind that leaves a lifetime mark — even after years apart.
The Las Vegas Wedding: Youthful Vows
Love led them down the aisle early. On May 8, 1959, James and Raquel married in Las Vegas, Nevada — a lively yet down‑to‑earth beginning to a life together. It wasn’t a Hollywood spectacle. It was two young people deciding to build a future hand in hand.
At that time, Raquel was just 19 years old. She left her college theater studies behind to be with James. They faced the world together with simple courage and youthful devotion. In their small apartment in Pacific Beach, everyday life became their greatest adventure.
Family Life: Children and Challenges
Marriage brought children — real joy mixed with real responsibility. Their first child, Damon Welch, was born on November 6, 1959, just months after their wedding. Their daughter, Latanne “Tahnee” Welch, arrived on December 26, 1961. Both would grow up with deep connections to both parents — but life’s trajectory was shifting beneath their feet.
James worked hard to support the family. He took on jobs that demanded grit — sometimes reported as work like tuna fishing — while Raquel juggled small modeling gigs and weather‑girl roles at a local TV station. They were a young family trying to make ends meet and build their dreams together.
Differences That Pull Apart
As time passed, their individual paths began to diverge. Raquel’s interest in pursuing a career in entertainment pulled her closer to the spotlight, while James seemed inclined toward a quieter life focused on family and stability. This difference in vision — a desire for Hollywood versus a preference for a simpler existence — created tension that neither could ignore.
In 1962, they separated. The marriage was officially dissolved in 1964. Although they parted as spouses, they never lost their mutual respect and deep history. Raquel chose to keep the surname “Welch” throughout her career — a decision that spoke volumes about the influence James had on her life and identity.
Life After Divorce: New Chapters and Quiet Success
After the divorce, James didn’t seek the spotlight. Instead he quietly rebuilt his life. He remarried a woman named Jean, and they reportedly had another son together. Details of this chapter remain private, as James always preferred to keep his personal life out of public view.
Professionally, James found success in business. He became known as a publicist, agent, and real estate developer — a man who could navigate both personal relationships and professional challenges with equal poise. Many accounts estimate his net worth at around $40 million at his peak, a testament to his business acumen and hard work, although exact figures can vary among reports.
James’s life after Raquel was far from ordinary, but it was lived in a quiet way that suited him perfectly. Instead of glamour, he chose meaning. Instead of headlines, he chose family. Instead of fame, he chose peace.
The Relationship With His Children
James’s greatest legacy wasn’t the money or business success. It was his children, Damon and Tahnee.Damon grew into adulthood with a curiosity about storytelling and media, eventually pursuing studies that reflected his creative side. Tahnee, on the other hand, followed in her mother’s footsteps, carving her own path in modeling and acting — perhaps the most public testimony to the blending of her parents’ worlds.
Even after the divorce, James stayed connected to his children. In later years, he and Raquel even reunified briefly in 1977 — not as husband and wife — but as co‑parents seeking the best for Damon and Tahnee.
Final Years and Passing
James Westley Welch continued his life in relative privacy, close to family and committed to the things that mattered most to him. He didn’t crave the applause or notoriety. What he valued was meaningful living — and in many ways, he achieved it.
On November 23, 2019, James passed away at the age of 82. His death was attributed to natural causes, and it was felt deeply by those who knew him best — his children, his family, and those who understood his quiet but profound influence.Although he never became a household name like his former wife, his story is one of steadfast love, resilience, and understated strength — a story well worth remembering.
The Legacy of James Westley Welch
James may not be the most widely known figure in Hollywood history, but without him, the story of Raquel Welch — one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation — would look very different. His early love, his strength as a father, and his calm commitment to family and purpose shaped not only his life but also the lives of his children.
In a world obsessed with fame, James chose a life of meaning.In a story defined by stars, he remained grounded.And in the end, he was remembered not just as someone connected to greatness — but as someone whose life, in its own right, was rich and important.
FAQs:
1. Who was James Westley Welch?
James Westley Welch, also known as Jim Welch, was the first husband of Hollywood icon Raquel Welch. Born on January 29, 1937, he was a devoted father, businessman, and quiet influence behind his family’s success. He passed away on November 23, 2019, at the age of 82.
2. What was James Welch’s relationship with Raquel Welch?
James and Raquel met as teenagers in high school and fell in love at first sight. They married in Las Vegas in 1959 and had two children, Damon and Latanne “Tahnee” Welch. Though they divorced in 1964, they remained connected through their children.
3. Who were James Welch’s children?
James had two children with Raquel Welch: Damon Welch, who pursued a creative path, and Latanne “Tahnee” Welch, who followed a career in modeling and acting. He also had another son with his second wife, Jean.
4. What did James Welch do for a living?
James Welch was a man of many talents. He worked as a publicist, agent, and real estate developer. Known for his business acumen, he earned an estimated net worth of around $40 million during his lifetime.
5. When did James Welch pass away and at what age?
James Westley Welch passed away on November 23, 2019, at the age of 82. His death marked the end of a life lived quietly, meaningfully, and with devotion to family and loved ones.
