James Westley Welch is a name many people recognize because of Raquel Welch. But his life was more than just being her first husband. He was part of her early dreams, her first love, and the start of her famous last name.
This article looks closely at the life of James Westley Welch in a very simple and clear way. We will talk about where he came from, how he lived, and why his story still matters today.
By the end of this article, you will understand who James Westley Welch really was. Not just a name from Hollywood history, but a real person with a quiet life, deep love, and lasting place in Raquel Welch’s story.
Who Was James Westley Welch?
James Westley Welch was an American man born in 1940 in San Diego, California. He lived a very private life and never looked for fame. Most people know him because he was the first husband of actress Raquel Welch.
He worked as a tuna fisherman and stayed away from Hollywood life. Even after his marriage ended, James Westley Welch did not speak to the media or seek attention in any public way.
As of 2026, there is no confirmed public record about his death. This means his life story remains quiet and respectful, just like the way he lived it, away from cameras and headlines.
Early Life of James Westley Welch
James Westley Welch grew up in San Diego in a simple home. He was raised in a Christian family and belonged to a white American background. His early life was calm and far from any kind of fame.
His mother’s name was Tahnee Land, and he had three sisters named Jan, Jerry, and Judy. Family was an important part of his life, and those close bonds stayed with him as he grew older.
James attended La Jolla High School but later dropped out. When he was young, he traveled to Peru to work on a tuna fishing boat, showing early signs of a hard-working and simple lifestyle.
How James Met Raquel Welch
James Westley Welch met Raquel Welch when they were both teenagers in high school. They were just 15 years old at the time. James played football, and Raquel was a cheerleader at La Jolla High School.
Raquel later wrote that it was love at first sight. She said James felt special to her from the very first moment, and she believed he was meant to be part of her life forever.
In her memoir, she described him as her “handsome young prince.” James Westley Welch became her first true love, the person she measured all future relationships against.
James’ Marriage to Raquel Welch
James Westley Welch married Raquel Welch on May 8, 1959, in Las Vegas. Raquel was only 19 years old and had just finished high school when they decided to marry.
The marriage did not have strong support from Raquel’s parents, especially her father. Still, Raquel chose to marry James because it felt right to her at the time.
After marriage, they lived a simple life. James searched for work, and Raquel learned how to manage a home. They were young, learning together, and trying to build a future with very little experience.
Life as a Husband and Father
When James Westley Welch became a husband, he was still very young. He was learning how to handle adult life while starting a family at the same time. He worked hard as a tuna fisherman to support Raquel and their new home.
Raquel was also learning how to take care of things. She often called her mom for help with cooking and cleaning tips. The couple was trying their best, but both were still figuring things out step by step.
Even though they started strong, their young age made things harder. James Westley Welch wanted a simple life. Raquel, on the other hand, began dreaming of something bigger. Their goals slowly started to move in different directions.
Meet James’ Children
James and Raquel had two children during their time together. Their son Damon Welch was born on November 6, 1959. He later worked as a director, actor, and writer. Damon went to Boston University and studied communications.
Damon helped with a few of Raquel’s projects, including her workout video Raquel: Total Beauty and Fitness and the documentary I Am Raquel Welch. He was even married once to Rebecca Trueman, the daughter of a famous cricket player, but it didn’t last long.
Their daughter, Latanne “Tahnee” Welch, was born on December 26, 1961. She was named after James’s mother. Tahnee became an actress and model. She appeared in movies like Cocoon and I Shot Andy Warhol, and she was known for her quiet and graceful style.
Why Their Marriage Ended
James Westley Welch and Raquel separated in 1962 and got divorced in 1964. The main reason was that they wanted different things. Raquel wanted to move to New York and become a star. James preferred a calm life.
They were also very young when they married. Raquel later admitted they didn’t have the tools to make the relationship work. Being a mom at 19 was also tough, and everything started feeling overwhelming for her.
In her book, Raquel shared that leaving James was the hardest choice of her life. She said it hurt her, hurt him, and hurt their children. She never forgot what they had, and she carried that memory with her forever.
James’ Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, James Westley Welch stayed away from the spotlight. He did not remarry in public and never talked to the media. He kept living a quiet life, just like he always had.
In 1977, about 15 years after the split, James reached out to Raquel. He wanted to talk about their kids and how they were doing. That meeting was warm, kind, and focused only on the future.
Raquel said she was happy to see that James was doing well. They didn’t talk much about their past. The conversation was simple, showing that even though they were apart, they still cared in their own way.
Final Thoughts
James Westley Welch may not have been a star, but he played a big role in Raquel Welch’s life story. He was her first love, her first husband, and the reason she kept the last name “Welch” all her life.
Even though they separated, Raquel always spoke of him with deep respect. She called him her “true love” and often said she wished things had turned out differently for their family.
In the end, James Westley Welch lived quietly, but his name stayed in the spotlight because of the woman who never forgot him. He may not have chased fame, but his place in Hollywood history will always be remembered through love, family, and the name he gave to a legend.
(FAQs)
How old is James Westley Welch now?
James Westley Welch was born in 1940. As of 2026, he would be around 86 years old, but there are no public records confirming if he is still alive.
Was James really Raquel Welch’s first love?
Yes. Raquel called James her “first true love” in her memoir and said he was the man she always compared others to. She also said breaking up with him was the most painful decision of her life.
Did James and Raquel have children?
Yes, they had two children together — Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch. Both have worked in the entertainment world, following in their mother’s footsteps.
Why did James and Raquel get divorced?
They divorced in 1964 because they were very young and had different life goals. Raquel wanted to become an actress, while James wanted a simpler life.
Did James Westley Welch remarry?
There are no public records showing that James remarried after Raquel. He stayed out of the spotlight and kept his personal life private.
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