James 'Jim' Welch, 91 of Akron, Iowa passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Akron. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Akron. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service followed by a Parish Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., all on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron.

Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

James Raymond Welch was born on April 12, 1932 in Akron, Iowa to Raymond and Elizabeth (Hamel) Welch. He attended local Toben and Breezy Hills country schools before attending Akron High School and graduating from Westfield High School. Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. Jim then moved to Illinois to pursue a career with Caterpillar Inc. He began working in the shop and worked his way up to becoming a manufacturing engineer. He was able to continue schooling while working at Caterpillar and retired in 1987 after over 35 years of employment.

Jim was united in marriage to Dorothy Weiler on February 7, 1953 in Joliet, Illinois. They raised 5 children together and made their home in Channahon, Illinois. Jim had a strong and honest work ethic and instilled those same values in his children. Jim was extremely active in their community: he was a volunteer firefighter, a village trustee, and was the Chief of Police for the village. He also was active in the Elks Club, Lions Club, and Joliet Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

After his retirement, Jim and Dorothy moved back to Akron; Jim was glad to be back to where he had grown up and where he called home. Jim was a long-time member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Akron, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. Dorothy passed away on June 2, 2000. Jim was then united in marriage to Patricia (Montange) Bernard on December 29, 2001. They continued living in Akron and Patricia passed away on February 9, 2010.

In his younger years, Jim enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing poker. He loved going fishing; taking many trips to Canada and turned a hobby of making fishing lures into a part time job. Jim also enjoyed going camping and made many memories camping each summer with his family. He had a strong interest in American History, enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles.  Jim's favorite time was spent with his family, especially his grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

Jim is survived by his five children: Aimee Beth (Allen "Artie") Tracz, Michelle Lee (Jonathan) Moeller, Renee Lynne (Eric) Quanbeck, Suzanne Marie (Luis) Solorio, and Doree Jean (Jason) Angello; six  'bonus' step children: Kathryn Beacom, Linda (James) Braun, Paul Bernard, Jeane (Terry) Stinton, Lori (Bill) Campell, and Lisa (Bernie) Manley; 12 grandchildren: Aislinn Moeller, Breanna Moeller, Ryan (Jazmine) Jenet, Conner Quanbeck, Emily Quanbeck, Ernest Solorio, Angelo Solorio, Victoria Budzinski, Chase Budzinski, Logan Budzinski, Isabella Angello, and Makayla Angello; 17 'bonus' step grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren: Evalynn Jenet, Callahan James Jenet, Carter Olejniczak, and Chloe Budzinski; 30 'bonus' step great grandchildren; siblings: Phyllis Jordan, Kathleen Harbeck, Joan Henke, Margaret Devine, Robert (Mary) Welch, and Colleen (Richard) Wade; sister in law, Sandra Welch; many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy; wife, Patricia, brother, Dennis Welch; brothers in law, Robert Jordan, Herman Harbeck, and Dennis Devine; and 'bonus' daughter in law, Rebecca 'Becky' Bernard.