James Russell Welch

Jim was born on June 24, 1933, in Oshkosh, WI to Peter and Ibelle (Russell) Welch. He graduated from Oshkosh High School and attended UW-Oshkosh and UW Madison.

On August 12, 1961, he married Vernadine Gerrits at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Little Chute. He was a charter member of St. Bernards Catholic Church. He was employed in the insurance industry until August 1967, when he purchased an ambulance and livery service. After establishing Gold Cross as a Paramedic level service, and expanding into areas surrounding the Valley, Jim sold the business to a consortium of hospitals.

Following retirement, he and Vernie traveled with friends to many states and countries. He and Vernie held Packer season tickets, and frequently attended “away” games with Vernie’s sister Elaine and her husband, Don. Jim and Vernie also spent every March in Diamondhead, Mississippi with many wonderful “Snowbird” friends.

He is survived by his wife Vernie, his sister Martha (Russell) Hildebrand and brothers Tim (Camille) Welch and Dan Welch. He is further survived by brothers-in-law Roger Gerrits and Donald Evers. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Ibelle Welch, his sister Katherine Welch O.P., his brother Peter Welch, his father and mother-in-law John and Geraldine Gerrits and by brothers and sisters-in-law Robert (Millie) Gerrits, Germaine (Jerome) Werner, Donald (Lillian) Gerrits, Eugene (Lois) Gerrits, Clarice (Frank) Islinger, Audrey (Earl) Van Handel, Darlene (LeRoy) Romenesko, Elaine Evers and step mother-in-law Loretta Gerrits.

Vernie would like to extend a special thank you to nieces and nephew Laurie, Lisa, Kim, Terry, brothers and sister Dan, Tim, Martha and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Russ, Don and Camille, and niece Brenda for their exceptional loving support and care.

Vernie would also like to recognize in appreciation everyone at Country Villa, Little Chute, ThedaCare Appleton Regional Medical Center and Gold Cross Ambulance.

A time of visitation will be held for Jim at St. Bernard Catholic Church (1617 W. Pine St., Appleton) on Monday, August 7, 2023, from 3:00 pm until the time of Mass at 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joe’s Food Pantry.