Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for twenty-five years.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 616 Locust St, Columbia, PA 17512.

MGySgt James Paul Welsh, Sr. USMC (ret), 64, of Manchester passed away on February 3, 2024. He was born in Long Island, NY to the late Capt. Ronald R. Welsh, Sr. and Shirley Wagasky Welsh. Known as Jim to those who knew him, he was a graduate of Columbia High School with the Class of 1977.

Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for twenty-five years. He enlisted in 1985 and did his basic training at Parris Island, SC. During his time of service, he had tours of duty in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom and was awarded numerous decorations and awards for his valor. Jim retired from the Marines in 2008 with his last place of duty being MCAS Miramar, San Diego, CA. Jim was an avid golfer and enjoyed the game every chance he could. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who adored his family and treasured spending time with them.

Jim leaves behind his wife of almost forty-five years, Connie Welsh of Manchester; two children, James, Jr., husband of Jen Welsh of Glenville, NY and Leah, wife of Keith Russell of Manchester; five grandchildren, Julia, Ethan, Reese, Landon, and Scarlett; four siblings, Rhonda, wife of Mike Spickler of Columbia, CWO4 Ronald Welsh, USMC (ret), husband of Sherree Welsh of Jacksonville, NC, Kathy, wife of Don DeClementi of Columbia, Debra, wife of Edgar Ohrel of Columbia; numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 616 Locust St, Columbia, PA 17512. Jim’s family wishes to thank the staff of the Lebanon VA Hospital for their compassionate care of Jim. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lebanon VA Hospital, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave, Lebanon, PA 17042. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. Columbia/Landisville www.clydekraft.com

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