Jimmy D. Welch entered his heavenly home on June 28,2025 after an 8-year battle with congestive heart failure.
Jimmy was born in Columbus, Ohio on September 6, 1957, to the late James E. Welch and Shirley A. (Thomas) Welch.
Jimmy was a very dedicated family man, very close to his daughters, Jennifer & Rachel and loved playing with and talking to his 7 grandkids (and pranking them on occasion!). He loved watching them participate in whatever sport they were involved in and rarely missed a game. Jim and the love of his life, Celeste, were seldom seen apart. Their last moments together were on their vacation to Florida.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Celeste, of nearly 47 years; daughter, Jennifer (Rex) Payne; daughter, Rachel (Brandon) Flick; 7 grandchildren, Victoria, Alexander, & Gabriel Payne; Isabella, Hunter, Finnegan, & Sophie Flick; sisters Kimberly Fridenmaker; Bridget (Sean) Martin; brother-in-law Steve McCulty; 3 nieces & 6 nephews; and great nieces & nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by granddaughter Eva Flick, mother Shirley Welch, father James Welch, sister Zondra Daum, and nephew Douglas Martin.
Jimmy graduated from West High School in 1975 where he played varsity baseball and his team won the state championship his senior year. He loved the OSU Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds. For many years, in his younger days, he played and coached the men’s softball team at Memorial Baptist Church. He also loved fishing and bowled in several leagues over the years. He and Celeste enjoyed 2 cruises together and many beach vacations. He particularly enjoyed the ocean.
His career began at General Motors, followed by many years as a dispatcher for American Business Equipment and Danka. He retired from his position in 2022 as production manager at TSYS.
Jim (and Celeste) served for 10 years as AWANA Sparks Directors at Memorial Baptist Church, where he was a member for nearly 30 years.
A Visitation/Memorial Service will be held on July 26, 2025 at Memorial Baptist Church, 2435 Eakin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204. Visitation will be from 3:00-4:00 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00 pm. Tom Wright, Pastor Emeritus, officiating.
8 Responses
Sending my sincere condolences on the passing of Jimmy. I went to school with Jimmy and fondly remember him as a friendly, caring person. May you be comforted in the Lords loving arms and know that Jimmy is always with you.
I am so saddened by the passing of my first cousin Jimmy. We were very close growing up. We have enjoyed discussing sports often. My heart goes out to his family that he loved beyond words. His wife Celeste his girls and grand babies. He will be deeply missed. Our mom loved him very much.
So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Condolences from the Roy Saunders’ family
So very sorry to hear that Jimmy died…too young but not too late for his place in heaven. We grew up across the street from each other when Holly Hill ended in the soy bean field behind the Welch’s house. We will miss him. His family was great in the neighborhood and Jimmy was every bit a part of my early childhood through graduation from West. Even though we know he’s with our Lord Jesus and free from the curse of this life, he will be missed. And just a couple weeks from our 50th H.S. reunion. Our prayers are with his remaining family!
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS
from the Saul Saunders family
Jimmy was a great brother in law and loving family man. He loved talking sports especially baseball- the Reds and Yankees and I really enjoyed the road trip to watch the Reds vs Yankees with Jimmy, my late father in law ( Jim) and two of my sons. Great memories from that day. Jimmy was kind to my boys and always interested in their athletic and college journey.. Jimmy will be missed by all of the friends and family who knew him and loved him.
Jimmy was a great brother and loving family man. He loved talking the Reds and Pete Rose. He was kind to my son and was interested in his football journey and his future endeavors. He will be missed by his friends and family that loved him.
Uncle Jimmy was good man who always made time for conversation when we saw each other at family gatherings. He was kind enough to come my many of my baseball games as kid and always supported my brothers and I. I can never forget attending Reds game that was one of the hottest days that I can ever remember .
Papa told me many stories of raising Jimmy , sports as a kid , travels & vacations as well as being a good big brother through the years to all the to his sisters that helped me gain additional love & respect for Uncle Jimmy .
My heart goes out to everyone in the family & hope we can all move forward with love in our hearts & positive memories that can live on and be told about Uncle Jimmy to his girls & grandchildren .
Rest in peace Uncle Jimmy ,
With Love from Tennessee