James Cotter Welch

WELCH, James Cotter born on September 7, 1944, passed away August 12 with family at his side following a brief battle with Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis. He was predeceased by his parents Al and Dorothy and daughter Kathy Bach. He is survived by his wife Tricia, brother Tom (Lucy) and sister Mary King (Barry); his son Mark (Jaylyn), son-in-law Dave Bach and his stepsons Todd Cook (Amy) and Jeff Cook (Diana); and his 8 grandchildren, Hillary Nelson (Glendon) & Lindsey Clark (Cameron); Matthew & Katie Welch; Sydney, Branson, Harrison & Carson Cook. He is also survived by his newly arrived and first great-grandson Glendon Nelson III. Jim was a 1962 graduate of Manzano High in Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico in 1967. He earned an MBA from the University of Tulsa and was a longtime member of the American Association of Professional Landmen. His passions and hobbies included vacations, photography, milestone birthdays, oil & gas and especially The Lake - even though his prowess with a rod and reel were questionable at best. Known as the Birdman of Ketchum, Welch loved to feed his birds and was particularly fond of cardinals and bluebirds. He was not a fan of squirrels or the Obama administration. He lived a wonderful, fulfilling and rich life and kept his trademark sense of humor until the very end. Most important to him was the love and camaraderie shared with family and friends at Grand Lake, Cuchara, Colorado and all the places, people, and stories that resulted from his time in the Oil Patch. Per his wishes, a celebration of life will be held at Grand Lake. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you hug the ones you love and be sure to tell them that you love them, often. Offer CondolencePrint