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James Palmer "Jim" Welch

June 15, 1929 - November 28, 2021

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Obituary For James Palmer "Jim" Welch

Passed away peacefully on November 28th, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was born on June 15th, 1929 in Detroit, MI to Lucile Palmer Welch and Clyde Leroy Welch.

In addition to Detroit, Jim spent his youth in Muskegon, MI, Chicago, IL, Springfield, MA, Providence, RI Henderson, KY, Kankakee, IL and South Bend, IN. He attended Roosevelt Military Academy in Aledo, IL and graduated from Riley High School in South Bend, where he starred on the basketball team, in 1947. He graduated from Purdue University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. At Purdue, he met and married his wife of 70 years, Mary.

After graduation, Jim was drafted into the Marine Corps and was based at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA where his eldest daughter, Kathleen, was born.

After leaving the Marines in 1953, Jim was hired by the Aluminum Company of America as an Industrial Engineer and moved to Davenport, IA. During their time in Davenport, Jim and Mary welcomed daughter Cynthia and sons James and Michael. Jim was relocated to Evansville, IN in 1969 and eventually to ALCOA’s headquarters in Pittsburgh in 1970 where he worked in Human Resources before retiring in 1997.

Jim spent his retirement traveling the world with Mary and close friends, visiting places like Brazil, Italy and Russia. He also enjoyed cooking, supporting Christ United Methodist Church and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was also a huge sports fan and enjoyed attending big events such as the U.S. Open golf tournament, the Rose Bowl, Olympics, the Final Four and Super Bowl. He was also fond of recalling his time in Chicago where he alternated summer Sundays between Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park.

Jim is survived by his wife Mary; daughter Kathleen Slone, her husband William and son James; daughter Cynthia DeLoof, her husband Jeffrey son Jason and daughter Jennifer; son James, his wife Arianne and daughter Alexa; and son Michael, his wife Julie, son Ryan and daughter Lauren. Jim was preceded in death by his grandson Matthew Slone. He also leaves behind great grandchildren Nathan, Gabriela and Nicholas.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Providence Point, 100 Adams Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. Jim’s ashes will be interred in the columbarium at Christ United Methodist Church. Arrangements handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227.

In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family requests that you make a donation to Christ United Methodist Church Endowment Fund or the charity of your choice in his memory.

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  • December 02, 2021

    Bob Callen

    Before church services each Sunday, Jim and I would share coffee and attempt to solve the problems of the world, A Sunday did not go by without any world calamities because of our intervention. At least we felt a sense of accomplishment. Jim certainly had his opinions and a staunch believer in those opinions. I truly admit that I am a better person today because of Jim, He will be sorely missed and the world has lost one of its best defenders!! Bob Callen

  • December 02, 2021

    Donna Callen

    Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. What a great guy Jim was. I am remembering when the four of us would go to lunch after church, those were good times with good friends. Jim had so many stories to tell and he introduced me to peach Bellinis! I will be thinking of you, you are cared about by so many people. Fondly, Donna Callen

  • December 01, 2021

    David Palmer

    Dear Jim, I just stumbled across this obituary and was saddened to learn your dad has passed. I have fond memories of him driving us to hockey practices and joking around with us. I respected him and was impressed with the joy shared with us through laughter and humor. What a great way to live life. My condolences, David Palmer

  • December 01, 2021

    Steve and Carla Hall

    Kathy and family, So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all.

  • December 01, 2021

    Mary Kay Hess

    My deepest sympathy for your loss. May God's grace and peace be with you and your family.