Meet James Westley Welch: Raquel Welch’s First Husband and Forever Love

James Westley Welch was the first husband of Raquel Welch, the Hollywood star known for her beauty and talent. Many people know Raquel’s name, but not everyone knows about James, the man who was there before the fame.

James was not a movie star. He was a private man who lived quietly. But his story is still important. He played a big role in Raquel’s early life and was her first true love.

In this article, we’ll explore who James Westley Welch was. We’ll talk about his early life, how he met Raquel, their marriage, their kids, and more. You’ll learn everything about his life in a very simple and easy way.

James Westley Welch Quick Bio

Who Was James Westley Welch

James Westley Welch was best known for being the first husband of Raquel Welch. People often called him “Jim” instead of James. He was the man Raquel married before she became a big star in Hollywood.

Even though he was close to someone very famous, James stayed away from the spotlight. He liked to live a private life. He didn’t do interviews or appear in public events. That’s why many people know little about him.

But he was not just “Raquel’s husband.” He was a kind man, a father, and someone who helped shape the early part of Raquel’s life. Their story was short but special.

James Early Life and Background

James Westley Welch was born on January 29, 1937, in Pike, Missouri, in the United States. He grew up in a simple, modest home — not in the world of Hollywood or fame.

Not much is known about his parents or his school life. That’s because James always kept his personal life quiet. He didn’t want people talking about him. He liked to stay out of the news.

What we do know is that he was calm, private, and respectful. These qualities stayed with him all his life. Even after marrying someone famous, he didn’t change.

How James Met Raquel Welch

James and Raquel Welch met when they were both just teenagers. They were around 15 years old when they saw each other for the first time at La Jolla High School in San Diego, California.

Raquel was a cheerleader. James was a football player. Their love story began like a classic high school romance. Raquel later wrote that when she saw James, she secretly knew she was meant to have his babies.

They would go to dances together, listen to music, and share milkshakes. Their favorite song was You Send Me by Sam Cooke. Raquel said James was her “Prince Charming.” It was young love — simple and strong.

James and Raquel Welch’s Marriage

In 1959, Raquel and James got married in Las Vegas. At that time, Raquel was only 19 years old. It was a small, simple wedding. There were no big crowds or flashing lights.

Raquel’s father was not happy about the marriage. In fact, he was very angry. But Raquel followed her heart. She said she married James for her own happiness — not to please her family.

Their early married life was very quiet. Raquel was not famous yet. They lived in a small apartment in Pacific Beach, and she worked as a TV weather girl. James supported her dreams.

James and Raquel Welch’s Personal Life and Children

Just a few months after their wedding, Raquel got pregnant. She gave birth to their first child, Damon Welch, on November 6, 1959. Two years later, their daughter Latanne “Tahnee” Welch was born on December 26, 1961.

They named Tahnee after James’ mother, which showed how close the family was. During this time, Raquel worked, cooked, cleaned, and raised the children. She wanted to be a good mother and wife.

Even though they were young, James and Raquel tried to build a good life. But as Raquel’s career started growing, things began to change. That’s where the second part of their story begins.

Why the James and Raquel Wele Divorce

As time passed, Raquel’s dreams began to grow bigger. She wanted to move forward in acting and modeling. Hollywood started calling her name. James, however, liked a calm and private life. Their goals slowly moved in different directions.

Raquel later shared that they were very young and did not know how to handle big life changes. Fame, work pressure, and different plans made things hard. In 1964, after five years of marriage, they decided to divorce and go their own ways.

James’ Life After the Divorce

After the divorce, James Westley Welch chose a quiet path. He stepped away from Hollywood and avoided media attention. While Raquel became a huge star, James preferred a peaceful and private life, far from cameras and public talk.

He did not try to use Raquel’s fame to gain attention. Instead, he focused on his own life and work. Very little was shared about his daily life, which shows how deeply he valued privacy and calm living.

James Role as a Father

Even after the divorce, James remained an important father to his children. He stayed connected with Damon and Tahnee and helped guide them through life. Being the child of a famous actress was not easy, and James helped balance that.

Damon chose a quieter career path, while Tahnee entered acting and modeling. Both children spoke positively about their father. He was steady, supportive, and caring, even while staying out of the public eye.

What James Did for Work

James Westley Welch worked mainly as a publicist and agent. He was also involved in different business roles over the years. While he had links to the entertainment world, he stayed behind the scenes and avoided attention.

His work life was private, just like his personal life. He did not seek fame or public praise. Instead, he focused on steady work and smart choices, which helped him live comfortably and independently.

James Net Worth

At the time of his passing, James Westley Welch’s net worth was estimated at around $40 million. This wealth came from his professional work and business success, not from acting or Hollywood fame.

He lived well but quietly. There were no luxury headlines or public displays of wealth. James showed that success does not always need noise or attention to be meaningful.

When James Passed Away

James Westley Welch passed away on November 23, 2019. His death did not make big news headlines, which matched the way he lived his life — quietly and privately.

Even after his passing, people still remember him as an important part of Raquel Welch’s early story. His life left a calm and lasting mark through family and personal values.

Final Thoughts

James Westley Welch was more than just Raquel Welch’s first husband. He was her first love, a father, and a man who chose privacy over fame. His role in her early life helped shape her journey.

His story reminds us that not all important lives are loud or famous. Some are calm, steady, and deeply meaningful. James Westley Welch lived quietly, but his impact continues through memory, family, and history.

FAQs

How old was James Westley Welch when he died?

James Westley Welch was 82 years old when he passed away. He was born on January 29, 1937, and died on November 23, 2019.

Did James Westley Welch have any children?

Yes, he had two children with Raquel Welch. Their son is Damon Welch, and their daughter is Latanne “Tahnee” Welch.

What was James Westley Welch’s job?

James worked as a publicist and agent. He also did some business work but stayed away from the public spotlight.

Where was James Westley Welch from?

He was born in Pike, Missouri, in the United States. He lived most of his life in America.

Was James Westley Welch famous?

No, James was not a celebrity. He became known mostly because he was Raquel Welch’s first husband.