James C. “Jim” Welch of Gresham was born August 1, 1940 in Bend, Oregon, and passed away May 16, 2015. Jim grew up in Oakdale, Louisiana, and served in the US Navy from 1959-1962. He returned to Oregon upon his honorable discharge, started a family, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University. He spent 44 years as a longshoreman, retiring in 2005 as the Area Director of the ILWU/PMA Benefits Fund. Jim was an active member of Mill Park Baptist Church, a voracious reader, and a firearm enthusiast. He is survived by his wife, Candy, sons Shawn and Chris, daughter Heather, step-daughters Jennifer and Ashley, and twelve grandchildren. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Willamette National Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Mill Park Baptist Church Memorial Fund in honor of James C. Welch.
