James Westley Welch: The Life, Legacy, and Story of Raquel Welch’s First Love

In the world of Hollywood legends and silver-screen icons, the spotlight often overlooks those who played quiet yet pivotal roles behind the scenes. One such figure is James Westley Welch, the first husband of the glamorous and iconic actress Raquel Welch. While Raquel dazzled the world with her charisma, James Westley Welch chose a more private path, becoming an essential yet understated part of her early life. In this article, we delve into the life, career, family, and legacy of James Westley Welch — a man who remains intriguing despite avoiding the limelight.

Early Life and Background of James Westley Welch

James Westley Welch was born on January 29, 1937, in Missouri, USA. He grew up in a humble household, surrounded by the values of discipline, simplicity, and hard work. His father, Hiriam Joseph Welch, was known for his work ethic and conservative upbringing. Although little is known about his mother, family records suggest a close-knit environment that helped shape his grounded personality.

As a young man, James was practical and industrious. He once worked as a tuna fisherman, showcasing his willingness to do physically demanding work. Later, his professional path would shift toward more sophisticated careers in public relations and real estate. Still, these early experiences highlight the kind of man he was — reliable, low-key, and self-made.

Love Story with Raquel Welch

Perhaps the most talked-about chapter of James Westley Welch’s life was his relationship with Raquel Welch, the woman who would go on to become one of the most iconic Hollywood sex symbols of the 20th century.

High School Sweethearts

James met Jo Raquel Tejada (Raquel Welch) at La Jolla High School in California. The two shared a youthful romance that blossomed quickly. At the time, Raquel was already showing signs of talent and beauty, while James was seen as dependable and sincere.

Their high school romance turned into a lifelong connection, even though their marriage eventually ended. Many sources suggest that James was Raquel’s “first true love,” a sentiment she reportedly echoed in her later memoirs.

Marriage and Family Life

James Westley Welch married Raquel on May 8, 1959, when both were students at San Diego State College. Their union came at a time when Raquel was still finding her identity, both as a woman and a performer.

Children

The couple had two children:

• Damon James Welch – Born November 6, 1959
• Latanne Rene “Tahnee” Welch – Born December 26, 1961

Both children had ties to the entertainment industry in their early years, particularly Tahnee Welch, who would later become a model and actress.

Divorce

Despite a promising start, the marriage began to strain under the pressures of youth, career ambitions, and personal differences. James and Raquel separated in 1962 and finalized their divorce in 1964. Raquel retained custody of the children, and soon after, her Hollywood career began its meteoric rise.

Career and Private Life

Unlike his ex-wife, James Westley Welch remained far from the flashing lights of fame. After their separation, he chose a quieter life focused on work and family.

Publicist and Real Estate Developer

James initially worked as a publicist, a role that gave him insight into the world of media and celebrity culture. This likely helped him maintain discretion regarding his personal life despite being connected to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Later, he transitioned into a career as a real estate developer, where he found financial success and stability. His business acumen enabled him to build a respectable net worth, estimated by some sources to be in the millions — with unverified claims suggesting a value of around $40 million.

Second Marriage and Later Years

After his divorce from Raquel Welch, James remarried a woman named Jean. The couple had a son named Jonas Welch. Unlike his children from his first marriage, Jonas has stayed entirely out of the public eye.

James lived the remainder of his life in Texas, maintaining a private lifestyle with minimal media exposure.

Death and Legacy

James Westley Welch passed away on November 23, 2019, at the age of 82, in Bryan, Texas. He died at the Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by family. His passing largely went unnoticed by the mainstream media, a testament to how well he kept his personal life private despite his connection to a major celebrity.

Although he may not have left behind a public legacy of awards or performances, his impact is evident in the early chapters of Raquel Welch’s life and the legacy of their children.

Who Are James Westley Welch’s Children?

Damon Welch

• Damon had a low-key presence in Hollywood.
• He served briefly as a production assistant and was once married to Rebecca Trueman (daughter of cricket legend Fred Trueman).
• Damon generally avoids media and prefers a private life.

Tahnee Welch

• Tahnee followed in her mother’s footsteps and entered the entertainment industry.
• She starred in the 1985 hit film “Cocoon” and also appeared in “I Shot Andy Warhol” and “Sleeping Beauty.”
• Tahnee also became known in the fashion world, appearing in magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire, and Playboy during the 1980s and 1990s.

Interesting Facts About James Westley Welch

• He never gave a public interview about Raquel Welch.
• James Welch is often confused with other individuals with similar names but maintains a distinct identity in real estate circles.
• He was known to have a passion for privacy and valued family above all else.
• Despite being the first husband of a Hollywood icon, he avoided any attempts to capitalize on Raquel’s fame.

Why is James Westley Welch Still Talked About Today?

Even though James Westley Welch never sought public attention, interest in his life persists due to his connection with Raquel Welch, who passed away in 2023. As the first and perhaps most influential partner in Raquel’s formative years, his story offers a human perspective on the woman behind the Hollywood façade.

Moreover, the story of James Westley Welch resonates because it speaks to something universal: the power of first love, the struggle for personal identity, and the choice to live a meaningful life outside the glare of fame.

Conclusion: The Quiet Strength of James Westley Welch

In a world obsessed with celebrity and spectacle, James Westley Welch stands as a reminder that strength, dignity, and love can exist quietly and powerfully. His story may not fill gossip columns or entertainment news, but it is woven into the fabric of one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures.

You May Also Read: Johanna Thiebaud: A Glimpse into the Private Life of a Swiss Celebrity Offspring