James L Welsh, Jr.

James Welsh, Jr., age 82, of Laurel, MD, passed away in hospice care on June 5. Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Sr. and Elizabeth (Pritchard) Welsh, and by his wife of 58 years, Nancy (Phair) Welsh. He is survived by his sister, Betsy Welsh; his sons, Jeffrey Welsh (Amy) of Morgantown, WV, and Mark Welsh (Lisa) of Laurel, MD; and his grandchildren, Sadie and Eliza Welsh of Morgantown, WV, and Payton and Jackson Welsh of Laurel, MD.

Jim was born and raised in Laurel and attended Laurel Elementary School, O.W. Phair Elementary School, and Laurel High School, graduating with the class of 1961. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1964 and eventually had a house built on land gifted by his parents—right next door to the house where he grew up.

Jim served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 before eventually joining the National Security Agency, where he worked until his retirement in 1994. After retiring from the U.S. Government, he served as office manager at First United Methodist Church of Laurel for 11 years.

Jim was an avid golfer who loved playing at Caledonia Golf Course in Pennsylvania, as well as many courses in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and wherever he and Nancy traveled. He stayed connected with the men from his Vietnam unit, attending reunions across the country. He was also an accomplished baker, known for treating family and friends to his delicious creations.

Jim was devoted to his family and to God. He will be remembered as a loyal, honest man of integrity—a true gentleman who always put the needs of others first.

A memorial service is scheduled for July 26, 2025 at First United Methodist Church of Laurel. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the service will commence promptly at 11:00 am. There will be an interment after the service, followed by a meal.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/