SPRINGFIELD – Lieutenant Colonel James Hobert Welch, US Army Retired, passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at his home.

He was born February 6, 1940, in Paintsville, KY to Hobert and Sara (Stapleton) Welch. He married Ona Pack on November 5, 1983 in Schaumburg, IL. He was preceded in death by a son, John Welch.

After retiring from the US Army in 1994, James went on to work for Chase Bank and retired in 2012. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Ona; children, Cindy Ann (John) Wedding, Victoria Knaak (Dale Boyles) and James (Britney) Ferry; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Austin and Tabitha; brother, Robert (Jeanne) Welch; sisters, Sherry McCauley and Janet Sue Hoskins; and nephews, Mark McCauley, Josh Welch and Jake Welch.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.