James R. Welch

James “Jim” R. Welch, age 78, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Prairie Place in Ripon.

Jim was born on August 6, 1948 in Palo Alto, CA, son of Edward and Alice (Tracy) Welch. He graduated from Western High in Anaheim, CA, and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1970 and then the U.S. Navy from 1972 until retiring in November of 1988. He held several different jobs after his retirement but mostly enjoyed working security for The Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas, and also Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, AZ. Jim moved to Wisconsin in 2008.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joan (Walker) of Ripon, WI; his daughter, Jennifer Bickel of Tucson, AZ; his son, James, Jr of Ripon, WI; grandchildren, Parker (Lacey) Bickale, Orion Antonakis, Ellis Antonakis, and Aubrey Asleson; a brother, Ron (Paula) Welch of Springerville, AZ; two sisters, Lori Goins of Springerville, AZ and April (Zane) Mills of Eager, AZ; a step-daughter, Natasha Antonakis of Ripon, WI and a step-son, Justin Antonakis of Princeton, WI. He is further survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Alice Welch.

Per Jim’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.