Rev. James Arthur Welch

Rev. James A. Welch, 91 former pastor of Emmanuel Faith Community Church of Escondido California, went to be, with the Lord on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. He is survived by his wife Marie Welch. Son; Stan (Penny) Welch, Son: Bruce (Elena) Welch. 3 grandchildren; 3 great granddaughters.

Jim was born in Orange, California on January 14, 1931, to Ray H. Welch and his wife Katherine. He assisted his father in managing orange groves while attending high school. He enjoyed playing tennis in high school and was a very good player!

He attended Biola College and met his wife Marie (Jacobson) Welch. They have been married for 66 years! He ministered at Rainbow Community Church in Fallbrook, California. He was called by Coy T. Maret to minister as a youth pastor at Emmanuel Faith Community Church (EFCC) in 1954. He succeeded Coy as pastor upon his untimely death. He continued ministering as an Associate Pastor for 40+ years under various pastors, Dr. Richard Strauss, Pastor Dennis Keating and others. During his years of ministry, he oversaw the growth and expansion of a new church, he organized and lead Men on A Mission, he was on hundreds of committees within the church. In his time at the church, if you heard the words, "Have you got a minute?" you were involved for "life"!

After his heart attack, Jim retired from EFCC and moved to Port Angeles, Washington {Sequim). He was in Sequim for 13 years where he volunteered at the Independent Bible Church of Port Angeles. While in Sequim he joined his sons at many Seattle Mariners games and appreciated their help in harvesting/planting a productive garden.

Jim and Marie moved to Bellingham in 2007 to assist with the medical needs of Marie's mother, Esther Jacobson. At the same time, Jim received radiation treatments for cancer. They lived in a condominium until his death. They attended Rome Community Bible Church as much as they could and appreciated fellowship and a deep friendship with Pastor Scott and Rachel Lidbeck.

A Celebration of Life service will be held, Saturday, January 21,2023 @ 1:00 PM at Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt. Baker Highway, Bellingham, WA