James Karl Welty

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beckie; two sons, Jason and David; his daughter, Erin; and two granddaughters, Emily and Annika.

“Jimbo,” son of John and Hazel, was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, CA, on April 19, 1949. He was brought home to Santa Ana, where he grew up in the heart of Orange County. There, his love for God, cars, and country flourished. He attended Santa Ana schools, was a member of Spurgeon United Methodist Church, and joined the Road Agents Car Club.

In 1969, during the Vietnam War era, Jim was drafted into the United States Army, where he utilized his skills as a mechanic while stationed at Fort Benning, GA, and in Seoul, Korea. Upon discharge, he returned home to Santa Ana, where he married the love of his life, Beckie, and together they raised their three children.

Jim built a career around his passions—automobiles and trains. He worked for the Walt Disney Company as a steam locomotive engineer, operating the Disneyland Railroad, one of his most cherished roles. He also taught autobody repair for more than 30 years at Santa Ana College and Golden West College, training and mentoring countless students eager to enter the industry. Other notable positions included Body Shop Manager at McLean Cadillac in Santa Ana and multiple roles at State Farm Insurance over many years.

Those who knew the Welty family were well acquainted with Jim’s culinary talents, especially his legendary BBQ. His ribs were the stuff of legend. The number of cars that filled the driveway over the years was rivaled only by the number of barbecues he collected. Above all, Jim was happiest with a house full of people—grateful guests enjoying one of his delicious meals. You never left the Welty home hungry.

Jim will always be remembered as a God-fearing family man—deeply principled, with a fierce devotion to raising his family in love and warmth, and always ready with a joke. He will be greatly missed.