James Westley Welch was best known as the first husband of actress Raquel Welch, but his own life tells a story of independence and quiet success. Born in Missouri in 1937, he built a career outside of Hollywood as a fisherman, publicist, and later a real estate developer.
While Raquel became an international star, James chose a private path focused on work, family, and personal values. His life shows a different side of what it means to be connected to fame—one shaped by privacy, stability, and achievement on his own terms.
James Westley Welch Bio/Wiki
| Personal Information | Details |
| Full Name | James Westley Welch |
| Birth Date | January 29, 1937 |
| Birth Place | Missouri, United States |
| Death Date | November 23, 2019 |
| Death Place | Bryan, Texas |
| Age at Death | 82 years |
| Parents | Hiriam Joseph Welch, Tahnee Land |
| First Wife | Raquel Welch (Jo Raquel Tejada) |
| Marriage Duration | 1959-1964 |
| Second Wife | Jean |
| Children | Damon Welch, Tahnee Welch, one son with Jean |
| Education | La Jolla High School, San Diego State University |
| Career | Tuna fisherman, Publicist, Real estate developer |
| Net Worth | Approximately $40 million |
Early Life and Family Background (1937-1955)
James Westley Welch was born on January 29, 1937, in Missouri, United States, to Hiriam Joseph Welch and Tahnee Land. His dad lived until 1991, giving James a solid foundation in Midwestern values.
Growing up wasn’t about glitz and glamour for James. His family lived simply, which shaped his character in ways that would matter later. The Welch family instilled something special in James – the ability to stay grounded no matter what life threw at him.
His grounded upbringing helped him remain private and steady when Raquel’s Hollywood career began.
The High School Romance (1952-1959)
James met Jo Raquel Tejada, later known as Raquel Welch, when they were both 15 and studying at La Jolla High School in San Diego, California.
In her memoir Beyond the Cleavage, Raquel Welch recalled that she felt a strong connection with James from the moment they met. The couple shared a typical teenage romance, even choosing ‘You Send Me’ by Sam Cooke as their song.
James was among the few students who had a car in high school, thanks to his stepfather’s job at Fed Mart Corporation. Raquel was a cheerleader, and James played football. They often went to school dances and spent time together like many high school couples.
But James showed his independent streak early. He dropped out senior year to work on a tuna clipper to Peru. This decision broke Raquel’s heart – she was an honor student watching her Prince Charming choose adventure over academics.
Their favorite song together was “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke, a popular love song of that time.
James Westley Welch Marriage and Early Family Life (1959-1964)
On May 8, 1959, the couple eloped to Las Vegas while they were both students at San Diego State University. Raquel dropped out of college to marry James.
Their families did not fully support the sudden marriage, as both were still very young at the time. But James’s mother, Tahnee Land, was sweet to Raquel and kept her updated when James traveled for work.
Kids came fast. Damon Welch arrived on November 6, 1959, followed by Tahnee Welch on December 26, 1961. Yes, Tahnee was named after James’s mother – her full name was Latanne Rene “Tahnee” Welch.
Being young parents while Raquel’s career started taking off created serious tension. In later years, James reportedly reflected that he had not always treated Raquel kindly, though he remembered their marriage as a young and loving time in their lives.
By 1962, they were living separate lives. The divorce was final by 1964.
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Professional Career Evolution
James wasn’t content being known as just “Raquel Welch’s husband.” After their split, he carved out his own professional identity. His journey from tuna fisherman to successful businessman shows real determination.
He moved into publicity work, using his natural understanding of how to promote brands and personalities. This wasn’t just any publicist career – he worked with major entities in the business world, though he kept the details private.
Later, James moved into real estate development, where he built a successful business and achieved financial stability through his work. His success came from personal fulfillment rather than chasing public recognition.
James Westley Welch Life After Hollywood (1964-2019)
While Raquel starred in hits like “One Million Years B.C.” and “The Three Musketeers,” James was building his quiet private life. He remarried a woman named Jean and had another son, focusing on family values over fame.
James chose privacy over publicity throughout his adult life. This wasn’t about hiding – it was about living authentically. He proved you could be successful without being in the spotlight.
His path led him away from Hollywood’s chaos into real estate, where he built his own empire. Instead of relying on his connection to Raquel, James built his own career in real estate and achieved financial success on his own terms.
Legacy Through His Children
James’s most lasting impact came through Damon and Tahnee Welch. Tahnee followed her mother into acting and modeling, appearing in “Cocoon” (1985 film) and gracing Vogue pages. She inherited both parents’ good looks and her father’s grounded nature.
Damon Welch also entered entertainment, appearing in his mother’s 1971 drama “The Beloved” and “The Day the Earth Got Stoned” in 1979. He even worked on Raquel’s 1984 workout video “Raquel: Total Beauty and Fitness.”
Both kids represent James’s family legacy – they found success but maintained the quiet dignity their father valued. That’s a pretty amazing gift to pass down to your children.
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The 1977 Reunion and Co-Parenting
After fifteen years apart, James contacted Raquel in 1977. This wasn’t about romance – it was about their kids and their futures. Both parents had found success in their different paths.
This meeting showed James’s commitment to being a father despite the complications fame brought to their family dynamics. Not every divorced couple can put their kids first after so much time and distance.
Their meeting showed that James valued his role as a father and stayed involved in his children’s lives despite the challenges of distance and time.
Final Chapter and Death
James Westley Welch passed away on November 23, 2019, at age 82 at Legacy Nursing Center and Rehabilitation in Bryan, Texas. His death was as quiet as the life he chose to lead after his brief time in Hollywood’s periphery.
James was reportedly worth around $40 million at the time of his death, according to public estimates. He demonstrated that it was possible to achieve professional and financial success while living a private life away from the public eye.
Raquel herself passed away on February 15, 2023, after a brief illness. Their story – from teenage love to co-parenting to peaceful endings – shows how celebrity relationships can evolve beyond the drama.
Historical Significance and Character Analysis
James represents something unique in Hollywood history – someone who could have leveraged his connection to fame but chose authenticity instead. His story illuminates the experiences of those who love celebrities before they become stars.
Raquel wrote in her 2010 memoir: “Jim would be my first true love, with all that it implies. He’d be unforgettable, always present love, against whom all others would be judged.” That’s the kind of impact that lasts a lifetime.
His choice to build a successful business career while maintaining privacy offers a compelling counter-narrative to typical Hollywood stories. While Raquel became an international symbol, James carved out his own definition of success.
Key Achievements
- Built a multi-million dollar real estate empire
- Maintained privacy despite celebrity connections
- Raised two children who found success in entertainment
- Transitioned from manual labor to business leadership
Interesting Facts
- Met Raquel Welch in American government class at age 15
- Dropped out of high school to work on tuna boats
- Had green eyes that Raquel found irresistible
- Owned one of the few cars at La Jolla High School
- Reconnected with Raquel after 13 years for their children’s sake
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FAQ About James Westley Welch
Who was James Westley Welch?
James was Raquel Welch’s first husband and a successful businessman who chose privacy over Hollywood fame.
When did James Westley Welch marry Raquel?
They eloped on May 8, 1959, in Las Vegas while both were college students.
How many children did James have with Raquel?
Two children: Damon Welch (born 1959) and Tahnee Welch (born 1961).
What was James Westley Welch’s career?
He worked as a tuna fisherman, publicist, and later became a successful real estate developer.
How much was James Westley Welch worth?
His net worth was approximately $40 million at the time of his death.
When did James Westley Welch die?
He passed away on November 23, 2019, at age 82 in Bryan, Texas.
Did James remarry after divorcing Raquel?
Yes, he married a woman named Jean and had another son with her.
Conclusion
James Westley Welch’s story reminds us that success comes in many forms. While the world watched Raquel Welch become a Hollywood icon, James quietly built his own empire based on personal values and family legacy.
His choice to prioritize privacy and authenticity over fame offers inspiration for anyone struggling with life’s pressures. You don’t need public recognition to live a meaningful, successful life.
What strikes me most about James is his consistency. From teenager to businessman to father, he stayed true to his Midwestern values. In our age of social media and constant visibility, his story feels more relevant than ever.
James Westley Welch chose a life of quiet dignity over fame and built a lasting legacy through hard work, family, and personal integrity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available records, memoir excerpts, and credible entertainment news sources. Information is accurate as of August 2025 and intended for informational purposes only.
