James Westley Welch is best known as the first husband of actress Raquel Welch. They met as teenagers, married in 1959, and had two children, Damon and Tahnee Welch.
James lived a private life after their divorce. He first worked in tuna fishing and was later linked to publicity, business, and real estate.
James Westley Welch’s Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Westley Welch |
| Also known as | Jim Welch |
| Known for | Raquel Welch’s first husband |
| Birth year | Reportedly 1937 or 1940 |
| Birthplace | San Diego, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Mother | Tahnee Land |
| Siblings | Jan, Jerry, and Judy |
| School | La Jolla High School |
| Profession | Former tuna fisherman; later reportedly worked in business and real estate |
| Ex-wife | Raquel Welch |
| Marriage | 1959–1964 |
| Children | Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch |
| Net worth | Not publicly confirmed |
| Current status | Not reliably confirmed |
James Westley Welch’s Early Life
James was reportedly born in San Diego, California. His exact birthday is not publicly known.
Sources also disagree about his birth year. Some report 1937, while others give 1940.
His mother was Tahnee Land. James reportedly grew up with three sisters named Jan, Jerry, and Judy. There is little reliable information about his father.
His Education and Early Work
James Westley Welch attended La Jolla High School in San Diego. He played football at school.
He reportedly left school during his senior year. He then went to sea on a tuna fishing boat and traveled to Peru.
James later returned to San Diego and continued his relationship with Raquel.
How Did James Meet Raquel Welch?
James Westley Welch met Raquel at La Jolla High School when they were teenagers.
Raquel was a cheerleader, while James played football. She was around 15 when they met.
Their relationship started during high school. They went to dances, spent time together after football games, and sometimes drove to school together.
Raquel later called James her first true love in her 2010 memoir, Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage.
James and Raquel Welch’s Marriage
After high school, Raquel attended San Diego State College to study theater arts.
James Westley Welch spent some time away working at sea. When he returned, Raquel left college, and the couple decided to marry.
They married in Las Vegas on May 8, 1959.
Raquel later said her parents did not support the marriage. Her father, Carlos Armando Tejada, was especially unhappy with her decision.
The young couple reportedly lived in an apartment in Pacific Beach, California.
Their Son Damon Welch
James and Raquel welcomed their first child, Damon Welch, on November 6, 1959.
Damon later worked in entertainment. He has been linked to projects including The Day the Earth Got Stoned and Raquel: Total Beauty and Fitness.
He reportedly studied communications at Boston University.
Damon was married to Rebecca Trueman from 1990 to 1992.
Their Daughter Tahnee Welch
Their second child, Latanne Rene “Tahnee” Welch, was born on December 26, 1961.
She was reportedly named after James’s mother, Tahnee Land.
Tahnee became a model and actress. She is best known for appearing in Cocoon in 1985.
Her other acting credits include I Shot Andy Warhol, Search and Destroy, and Sue.
Why Did James and Raquel Welch Divorce?
James Westley Welch and Raquel separated in 1962 and divorced in 1964.
Raquel later said they were very young and were not ready for the problems that came with marriage and raising children.
Her growing acting career was also an important part of their separation. Raquel wanted to build an entertainment career and eventually moved to Los Angeles with their children.
James and Raquel reportedly had little contact for many years after separating.
Raquel Kept James’s Last Name
Raquel was born Jo Raquel Tejada.
She took the surname Welch after marrying James and continued using it after their divorce.
She later became famous around the world as Raquel Welch. Even after three more marriages, she kept Welch as her professional name.
Did James and Raquel Meet Again?
James and Raquel reportedly went about 15 years without seeing each other.
James contacted her in 1977, and they met again. Their conversation reportedly focused mainly on their children and their futures.
They were also photographed together with their daughter Tahnee at an event in New York on December 1, 1983.
James Westley Welch’s Career
James first worked in tuna fishing.
Some sources report that he later worked as a publicist and talent agent. He was also reportedly involved in business and real estate development.
One account says he had become the president of a successful business group by 1973.
However, detailed records about his companies and business career are limited.
Who Was Raquel Welch?
Raquel Welch was an American actress born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940.
She became famous during the 1960s. Two of her best-known early films were Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C., both released in 1966.
She later appeared in movies including Fathom, The Three Musketeers, and How to Be a Latin Lover.
Raquel married four times in total. James was her first husband and the father of her only two children.
She died on February 15, 2023, at age 82.
Did James Westley Welch Remarry?
It is not publicly clear whether James married again after his divorce from Raquel.
Reliable information about his later relationships is limited.
James Westley Welch’s Net Worth
James Westley Welch’s personal net worth is not publicly known.
He reportedly earned money through fishing, publicity, business, and real estate. However, there are no reliable public records showing his total wealth.
Is James Westley Welch Still Alive?
James’s current status is unclear.
Some online sources report that he died on November 23, 2019. However, this information has not been reliably confirmed.
Because of this, his reported death should not be treated as a confirmed fact.
James Westley Welch’s Social Media
There are no verified public social media accounts clearly linked to James.
He stayed mostly outside the public eye after his divorce from Raquel.
Facts About James Westley Welch
- James is also known as Jim Welch.
- He was reportedly born in San Diego, California.
- His birth year is reported as either 1937 or 1940.
- He attended La Jolla High School.
- He played football in high school.
- He met Raquel Welch when they were teenagers.
- He left school and worked on a tuna fishing boat.
- James and Raquel married on May 8, 1959.
- They had two children, Damon and Tahnee.
- They separated in 1962 and divorced in 1964.
- Raquel kept the Welch surname after their divorce.
- James later reportedly worked in business and real estate.
- His net worth is not publicly confirmed.
- His current status is also not reliably known.
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