James Robert Welch

James Robert Welch, age 28, went home to be with Jesus on March 18, 2011 in Austin, TX - his favorite place in all the world. He was born November 5, 1982 in Houston, TX. James was a 2001 graduate of Clark High School in San Antonio where he played the snare drum in the marching band and drum set in the jazz band.

In 2000, he was named the number one high school jazz drummer in the state and selected to play the drum set for the Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble in addition to becoming an Eagle Scout in Troop 66. He then attended the University of North Texas UNT in Denton where he majored in music and history. While there, he recorded a CD with the bluegrass group, Boxcar Bandits, and played with many bands including the UNT African Percussion Ensemble.

His love of music took him to all parts of the world from California to New York, to New Orleans, to Puerto Rico, to Seoul, South Korea, Ghana in West Africa, and finally to the music capital of Texas - Austin.

He will be missed by all his friends and family who knew him for his kind heart and his ability to make them laugh. James gave his final gifts of hope and a new life to three recipients and their families through the organ donor program.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Worth Welch, Felipe Valerio, and Juanita Serna Valerio. He is survived by his parents, James Gary Welch and Alma Valerio Welch; sister, Terri Liebler and husband Pat; sister, Angela, nephew Peyton Liebler, niece Tess Liebler, paternal grandmother Betty Roberts Asiala, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation and viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., Friday, March 25, 2011 at Cornerstone Church Vada Hagee Chapel.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2011

11:00 AM

CORNERSTONE CHURCH VADA HAGEE CHAPEL

18755 STONE OAK PARKWAY

Rev. Dr. John C. Hagee will officiate. Interment will follow in Mission Burial Park North. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army ARC at, 4216 S. Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78745.