James Thomas Welch

OZARK…Mr. James Thomas Welch, a resident of Ozark, died early Sunday morning, March 2, 2025, at his home. He was 93.

 Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Scott Matthews officiating. Graveside services, with military honors, will follow in Fairview Addition Cemetery in Eufaula. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 12:00 Noon Saturday at the funeral home.

 Mr. Welch, son of the late William Green Welch and Vera Sims Welch, was a native of Luverne, moved to Columbus, Georgia at an early age and has lived in Ozark since 2005. While in Columbus, he graduated from Baker High School and was the owner and operator of Welch Radio Service. Mr. Welch was a veteran of the United States Air Force. His lifelong dream was to work at Disney World. Following his retirement in Columbus, he moved to Orlando and was employed with Disney World. Mr. Welch enjoyed being in the garden and doing needle point. He was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark. Mr. Welch was preceded in death by his brother, William Green Welch.

 Surviving relatives include his wife, Esther Clapp Welch; four children, Enoch Judge Sims (Canora), all of Ozark, David Hugh Sims (Lori), Helotus, Texas, John Jefferson Sims (Darlene), Cottonton, Alabama, and Dianne Elizabeth Smith, Pittsview, Alabama; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.