James W. Welsh, Jr.

James W. Welsh, Jr., 88, died peacefully on December 11. His graveside service will be held at Wright and Ferguson Highland Colony on Saturday, December 15, at 2:30 p.m. with visitation prior to the service from 1:00-2:30. The Reverend Billy Joseph will officiate.

Mr. Welsh was born in Meridian to J. Woodward Welsh and Bessie Terry Welsh. Affectionately known to his family and friends as “Jim” or “Jimmy,” he graduated from Philadelphia High School and attended Mississippi State University until enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1943. After completing military service, he graduated from Ole Miss. There he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity and the Delta Sigma Pi honorary fraternity.

Mr. Welsh was employed by Mississippi Valley Gas Company, now part of Atmos Energy Company, for 40 years. He served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer and was a member of the Board of Directors. He was also on the board of Deposit Guaranty National Bank. He enjoyed playing golf as a member of Colonial Country Club and tennis as a member of River Hills Club. He was also a dedicated volunteer with the Gleaners non-profit organization for many years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as usher.

Jim was a faithful husband and father who put his family first. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elizabeth Welsh Riley. Mr. Welsh is survived by his beloved, caring wife of 57 years, Betty Cullom Welsh, and dearly loved daughters and their families: Lisa Harris of Dallas, TX, son David Harris, wife Andrea, and son Andrew Harris; daughter Lynn Welsh of Portland, OR and son Forrest Gamba; daughter Alice Welsh Doyle of Charlotte, NC, husband Liam and son Declan Welsh Doyle. He is also survived by his much loved and appreciated cousins, Carl V. Welsh, Jr. and his wife Gail and Tommye Welsh Smith and their families, along with his sister’s children, Gail Riley, Beth Riley, and Harriet Riley Browne.

Pallbearers are his grandsons David Harris, Andrew Harris, Forrest Gamba and son-in-law Liam Doyle.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or Gleaners, Inc., 237 Briarwood Dr Jackson, MS 39206, (601) 956-4740.