James "Jim" Welch, 72, of Orange, Texas passed away Friday, December 4, 2009, at his home.

Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City.

Visitation will be from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Monday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

James was born on October 5, 1937, in Hampshire, Texas. He was the son of Martin Lionel Welch and Mary Gladys Hebert Welch. He was a member of Pipfitter Local 195 for 52 years. He was a real estate broker and owned Home Heath Care Agencies. James was a 3rd Degree member of Knights of Columbus and he also was a good provider for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Jamie Welch. James is survived by his children, Mark Welch and his wife, Louise of League City, Paul Welch and his wife, Juanita of Mauriceville, Mary Kay Ermel and her husband, John of Humble, Ann Marie Majors of Sundown, and Maggie Hall and her husband, Chris of Richmond.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brittney, Brandon, Eris, Cody, Cassie, Chad, Jonas and Presley; great-grandson, Carter; and brothers, Royce Welch and his wife, Ella Mae, Larry Welch, Nelson Welch and his wife, Sandra, and Danny Welch.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Paul Welch, Mark Welch, Cody Welch, Brandon Welch, John Ermel and Chris Hall. Honorary Pallbearers will be Royce Welch, Larry Welch, Nelson Welch and Danny Welch.