Not many people know the name James Westley Welch, but his story is filled with love, heartbreak, and quiet strength. He wasn’t a movie star. He wasn’t chasing fame. But he was the first man to win the heart of Hollywood legend Raquel Welch.
Before Raquel became famous across the world, she was just a young girl in love with a calm, kind boy named James. Their love started in high school, turned into a real-life marriage, and even though it didn’t last forever, it stayed in Raquel’s heart for life.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at James Westley Welch, Raquel Welch’s ex-husband. We’ll explore who he really was, their sweet love story, their marriage and children, and what happened to him after their divorce. Let’s begin with who he was before the fame.
James Westley Welch Quick Bio
| Full Name | James Westley Welch |
| Nickname | Jim |
| Birth Date | January 29, 1937 |
| Birthplace | Pike County, Missouri, USA |
| Age at Death | 82 years |
| Death Date | November 23, 2019 |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Known For | Raquel Welch’s ex-husband |
| First Wife | Raquel Welch (1959–1964) |
| Second Wife | Jean |
| Children | Damon Welch, Tahnee Welch, one son |
| Profession | Publicist, Agent, Real Estate Developer |
| Net Worth (Est.) | Around $40 million |
| Life Style | Private and quiet |
Who Was James Westley Welch?
James Westley Welch, also known as “Jim,” was born on January 29, 1937, in Pike County, Missouri. He grew up in a simple home and lived far away from the Hollywood spotlight.
He had dark hair, green eyes, and a quiet personality. James wasn’t a loud or flashy person. Instead, he liked peace, family, and living a calm life. Most people today know him only as Raquel Welch’s ex-husband, but he had his own life and career too.
James worked as a publicist and later became a real estate developer. He didn’t chase attention. He built his success quietly and stayed focused on his work and family. He was the kind of man who let his actions speak louder than his words.
James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch’s Love Story
Their love began like something out of a movie. James and Raquel met when they were just 15 years old. It happened in their American government class at La Jolla High School in San Diego, California.
Raquel later wrote in her book that from the moment she saw James, she felt like he was “the one.” She called him her “Prince Charming.” He was calm and handsome, and he even had a car — which made him extra cool at the time.
They shared rides to school, danced at school events, and listened to their favorite song, “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke. It was a sweet, simple love — the kind that feels perfect when you’re young. But even the sweetest stories can face tough moments.
Their Simple Wedding and Early Married Life
After high school, James made a bold move. He dropped out and went to Peru to work on a tuna boat. Raquel was heartbroken, but she never stopped thinking about him.
They kept in touch through letters. James’s mom, Tahnee Land, helped them stay connected. When James came back home, Raquel made a big choice. She left college and ran off to Las Vegas to marry him. She was just 19 years old.
Their wedding on May 8, 1959, wasn’t a Hollywood event. It was small and quiet. No big cameras. No famous guests. Just love. Her father didn’t approve, but Raquel didn’t care — she wanted to be with James. They started their life together in a small apartment in Pacific Beach and tried their best to make it work.
Becoming Parents at a Young Age
Not long after their wedding, James and Raquel became parents. Their first child, Damon Welch, was born on November 6, 1959. A couple of years later, their daughter Tahnee Welch was born on December 26, 1961.
Raquel named her daughter after James’s mother, which showed just how close she felt to his family. They were a young couple, still figuring out life, but trying hard to raise their kids and support each other.
James worked to provide for the family, and Raquel took small modeling jobs and weather girl gigs. She also took care of the home and their children. It wasn’t easy, but they were doing their best — just like any young couple trying to build a future.
Why Raquel Welch Left James Westley Welch
As time passed, their dreams started to move in different directions. Raquel wanted to act, be in movies, and build a big career. James, on the other hand, still wanted a simple life — one with peace and privacy.
The pressure of being young parents, along with Raquel’s growing ambition, started to cause stress in their marriage. In 1962, Raquel made a hard choice. She took her kids and moved to Los Angeles to follow her dreams.
They officially divorced in 1964. It was painful. Raquel later said that leaving James was the most difficult decision of her life. But she felt like she had to chase her goals — even if it broke her heart.
How Raquel Welch Always Remembered James
Even after becoming one of the most famous women in Hollywood, Raquel never forgot James. In her 2010 memoir, Beyond the Cleavage, she called him her “first true love.”
She wrote that James was the man she always remembered, the one she compared all other partners to. Even though she married three more times, none of them left the same mark on her heart.
She said,
“Jim would be my first true love, with all that it implies. He’d be the unforgettable, always-present love, against whom all others would be judged.”
That’s powerful. Even decades later, she still carried his name and his memory.
What Happened to James Westley Welch After the Divorce?
After the divorce from Raquel Welch in 1964, James Westley Welch stepped away from the spotlight completely. While Raquel moved to Hollywood and became a star, James quietly moved on with his life.
He didn’t chase attention or fame. Instead, he focused on finding peace. He later married a woman named Jean, and together they had a third child, a son. This second chapter of his life was calm, private, and filled with family.
James chose to live like any regular man. He never did interviews. He didn’t talk to the media about Raquel. He just wanted a normal life — far away from the flashing lights of Hollywood.
James Westley Welch’s Career and Net Worth
Even though he wasn’t famous, James Westley Welch built a strong and stable career. After working as a publicist and agent in his younger years, he later found success as a real estate developer.
He made smart business moves and slowly built wealth. At his peak, his net worth was estimated to be around $40 million. But even with money, James stayed humble. He didn’t live a flashy lifestyle.
He didn’t want luxury cars, big mansions, or parties. He worked hard, saved smart, and stayed focused on what mattered most to him — his family and his peace of mind.
Reuniting With Raquel Welch Years Later
In 1977, something surprising happened. James Westley Welch reached out to Raquel — 15 years after they had last seen each other. He wanted to reconnect, especially for the sake of their children, Damon and Tahnee.
Raquel agreed to meet. It wasn’t about getting back together. It was about being parents. Their reunion was quiet and respectful. They talked about their kids — their hopes, dreams, and future.
Raquel was happy to see that James was doing well. She had always loved him, and this meeting gave both of them a sense of peace. They didn’t focus on the past. Instead, they looked forward and showed kindness to each other.
James Westley Welch’s Final Years
James spent the rest of his life just the way he wanted — calm, private, and close to his family. He didn’t appear in the news. He didn’t follow fame. He simply lived a quiet life.
On November 23, 2019, James Westley Welch passed away at the age of 82. His cause of death was natural. He left behind children, grandchildren, and a life story full of meaning, even if most people never heard about it.
Though he was once married to one of the world’s biggest stars, James never used that to gain attention. He lived with dignity, and his story reminds us that a life can be full — even without fame.
James Westley Welch’s Children and Their Lives
James’s biggest legacy is through his children. His son Damon Welch became a writer, director, and actor. He studied at Boston University and worked on films like Raquel: Total Beauty and Fitness and I Am Raquel Welch (2026).
His daughter Tahnee Welch followed more closely in Raquel’s path. She became a model and actress, known for her roles in Cocoon, Sleeping Beauty, and I Shot Andy Warhol. She had beauty, talent, and a quiet grace — just like her father.
Through them, James Westley Welch is still connected to the world of movies and creativity. His children continue to share the love, strength, and calm spirit he gave them.
The Lasting Legacy of Raquel Welch’s Ex-Husband
Even though Raquel Welch married three more times, she never changed her last name. She was born Jo Raquel Tejada, but she kept the name Welch for the rest of her life.
This small choice says something big. It shows that James Westley Welch was not just her ex-husband — he was her first true love. He was the man who helped shape her heart before the world knew her name.
Raquel passed away on February 15, 2023, at the age of 82. And when people remembered her, they also remembered James — the quiet, strong man who once held her heart.
Final Thoughts
James Westley Welch may not be a name many people know, but his story is full of heart. He loved deeply, lived quietly, and left behind a family who remembers him with love.
He was Raquel Welch’s ex-husband, but he was also her first love, the father of her children, and the man who gave her his name — a name she carried with pride.
His life was not about fame. It was about family, love, and peace. And in the end, that might be the most meaningful story of all.
(FAQs)
What was James Westley Welch’s age and birthday?
James Westley Welch was born on January 29, 1937. He was 82 years old when he passed away.
Is James Westley Welch still alive today?
James Westley Welch is not alive. He died on November 23, 2019.
Was there an obituary for James Westley Welch?
Yes, but it was very quiet and private. There was no big news because he always stayed away from the spotlight.
What was James Westley Welch’s net worth?
James Westley Welch had an estimated net worth of around $40 million at his highest point. He earned his money through business and real estate, not acting.
How did James Westley Welch die, and where did he live later in life?
James Westley Welch died from natural causes. He spent his later years living a quiet and private life, and his exact home location was never shared publicly.
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