James Thomas Welch

James (Jim) Thomas Welch of Euless--beloved friend, son, brother, uncle, and bowling enthusiast--passed away unexpectedly at age 63 on December 29th, 2019. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by family and loved ones.

Jim was born in Tampa, Florida in 1956, the eldest of five children in an Air Force family. He spent his childhood all over the world, from Maine to Okinawa, and graduated from L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. Jim cherished time spent golfing with friends, starting chess clubs, playing basketball, and competing in bowling leagues. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating in 1978 with a business degree. After graduation, Jim was a lifelong learner.

Jim’s passion for bowling began early and led to a career managing bowling centers and planning tournament events. He started at the Hurst Bowl front desk, and progressed to General Manager of bowling centers in Texas, Nevada, and Florida. Most recently, he worked as the National Tournament Director for the Bowlero Company, overseeing many key competitions.

The hundreds of messages on Jim’s Facebook page reflect his impact on young bowlers and the larger bowling community. Many were deeply touched by his loyal friendship and sense of humor. Jim never met a stranger and enthusiastically connected people together through his expansive network of friends. Jim took great joy in all aspects of bowling, especially when the sport benefitted important causes. In particular, the Luci Bonneau Memorial Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles Tournament was a favorite annual event. He was one of the first leaders involved in the Luci tournament, serving as the tournament director in exchange for a case of his favorite drink: Diet Dr. Pepper. Jim helped lead this event for seventeen years, demonstrating his commitment to build community and help others through bowling.

Jim loved his family without reservation or judgment. He and his mother enjoyed spending time together and had weekly movie and lunch dates. He was funny, compassionate, and intelligent. His laugh was instantly recognizable and he was always ready with a quick-witted joke or hilarious text. Jim was both a fantastic older brother and an amazing uncle, always making time to share his hobbies with nieces and nephews.

He was a man of integrity, an active member of the Cathedral of Hope, and a treasured friend. Jim is survived by his mother Martha Welch; his brother Joe Welch and wife, Lynn; his sister Anne Bloom and husband, Jeff; his sister Mary Welch; his brother Matt Welch; six loving nieces and nephews; many dear cousins, aunts, and uncles; and friends comprising a large extended family, including Beth Standlee, Phillip Perry, Alex Barnishin, and David Garber.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 AM on January 7th at the Cathedral of Hope’s Interfaith Peace Chapel. Donations in lieu of flowers are appreciated and can be made to “Striking Against Breast Cancer,” at this link: https://strikingagainstbreastcancer.org/give-now .

Please send any flowers to the church for the service.