James "Jake" Kenneth Welch

James Kenneth Welch (Jake) entered through heaven’s gates and into the arms of his Lord and Saviour on  ­­­March 30, 2024, just in time to celebrate Resurrection Sunday in the presence of our risen Lord!

Born October 3, 1934, he was the son of the late Oscar Wallace Welch and Ruby Dot Bartlett Welch.  He was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of Galax Virginia.  This is where he was taught to farm and the meaning of a solid work ethic as a young boy.

Jake was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1951-1955.   He was an Airman First Class with the 5th Airforce, and was stationed at Komaki Air Base, Japan during the Korean war.

After 40 plus years, and over 2 million miles, he retired with Celanese Trucking in Rock Hill, SC.   Receiving a safe drivers award, and boasting rights of a perfect driving record with no accidents nor tickets.  Additionally, he worked over 20 years at the Tega Cay Golf Course mowing and maintaining the driving range.

While attending a swim party with friends in 1959, he saw Patricia J. Davis for the first time, and knew right then and there, that she was the woman he was going to marry. And marry they did on April 2, 1960. They were just 2 months shy of celebrating 52 years together when his sweet love entered her heavenly rest on February 1, 2012.

Left to cherish his memory are 3 children. James D. Welch of Charlotte, NC, Dale K. Welch of Baltimore, MD, and Kimberly Welch Fox, and husband Steve, of Boone, NC.  Forever Daughter-In-Law, Connie (David) Young, Cherryville, NC,  Four Grand Children. Nathan (Stephanie) Welch of Charlotte, NC, Jennifer (Michael) Sompolinski of Cleveland, TN, Aaron (Lisa) Welch of Lake Wylie, SC, Dale (Chrissy) Welch Jr of Baltimore, MD.  Two Grand Children through marriage. Amanda (Cody) Brown of Blowing Rock, NC and Ashlyn Fox of Boone, NC.  Six Great Grand Children, Jake and Madison Welch, Jenna Sompolinski, and Cameron, Quinn, and Peyton Welch. Two Great Grand Children through marriage. Ryley Brown and Peyton Brown.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Sally Burchette Isom of Bel Aire, MD, and Patricia Stowell of Baltimore, MD.

He loved to sing, dance, and tell a good joke.  Sharing his heart, and his resources, to help a friend or family member in need brought him incredible joy.  It is impossible to sum up his lifetime of service, sacrifice, and generosity in a few words.  Please take a moment to honor the life that Jake lived by picking up a fishing pole, hitting a bucket of balls, or by simply searching out another human being and surprising them with a random act of kindness.

The funeral services will be held Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Palmetto Funeral home Chapel with the Rev. Steve Lilly officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30AM to 1PM on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Entombment will follow in Grandview Memorial Park, Rock Hill, SC.

The family requests no food and In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Epic Care Health of Fort Mill, SC.

It is with deepest gratitude the family of Jake Welch would like to thank Epic Care Health for Providing exceptional hospice care and First Light Home Care for their home care services.

In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever – Psalm 41:12

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore – Psalm 16:11