James Westley Welch may not be a household name, but his story is one of love, sacrifice, and a life away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Known primarily as the first husband of iconic actress Raquel Welch, James lived a life rooted in simplicity and peace. His relationship with Raquel began as a teenage love story and ended with both individuals going in different directions, though their bond remained a significant chapter in Raquel’s life. This article delves into who James Westley Welch was, his life before and after his marriage to Raquel, and how his quiet existence shaped their love story.
James Westley Welch Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | James “Jim” Westley Welch |
| Known For | First husband of actress Raquel Welch |
| Date of Birth | 1940 |
| Age (as of 2025) | Around 85 years old |
| Place of Birth | San Diego, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Profession | Tuna fisherman, later businessman |
| High School | La Jolla High School (dropped out) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Raquel Welch (married 1959–1964) |
| Children | Damon Welch, Tahnee Welch |
| Mother | Tahnee Land |
| Public Lifestyle | Lived a private life, stayed out of the spotlight |
Who Was James Westley Welch?
James Westley Welch was a man who preferred a quiet, private life away from the public eye. Born in 1940 in San Diego, California, James had no interest in fame. He was a tuna fisherman who loved the ocean, finding peace and fulfillment in his work and the simple pleasures of life. Despite being married to one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, James always remained out of the spotlight, focusing on his own path and family.
His story is most widely known because of his marriage to actress Raquel Welch. They met when they were both teenagers, and their young love blossomed into a marriage. However, their relationship would eventually dissolve, though the connection they shared remained a powerful and memorable part of both of their lives.
James Westley Welch’s Early Life
James grew up in a typical American family with his mother, Tahnee Land, and his three siblings: Jan, Jerry, and Judy. He attended La Jolla High School in San Diego, where his future with Raquel Welch began. Though he was a bright young man, James didn’t find school particularly engaging and dropped out in his final year. Instead of academics, he was drawn to the sea. Becoming a tuna fisherman allowed him to travel and explore, even making fishing trips as far as Peru.
His life at sea shaped his worldview, as he preferred the solitude and simplicity of the ocean over the hustle and bustle of city life. This deep connection to the sea would define much of his character, as he sought peace away from the complexities of fame.
James’s School Love Story
At the age of 15, James met Raquel Welch, a cheerleader at their high school. James played football and had a natural charm that caught Raquel’s eye. In her memoir, Raquel fondly recalls how she immediately fell in love with him. Their teenage romance was simple yet sweet. They attended school dances, shared moments over burgers, and enjoyed car rides together. Their favorite song was “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke, and their love story was the epitome of youthful innocence.
For Raquel, James was her “first true love,” and the memories they created together would stay with her forever. Even after their relationship ended, he would always hold a special place in her heart.
James Westley Welch’s Marriage to Raquel Welch
In 1959, James and Raquel took the significant step of getting married. Raquel, who was only 19 at the time, dropped out of college to be with James. The wedding was a modest affair, held in Las Vegas, and was a reflection of their youthful enthusiasm rather than the grandeur of Hollywood. Raquel’s parents were not thrilled with her decision, especially her father, but she followed her heart.
Their early married life was simple. They lived in a small apartment by the beach, where Raquel cooked, cleaned, and began working on small TV and modeling jobs. James, on the other hand, continued his tuna fishing career, which kept him away from home at times. While Raquel’s career began to gain momentum, James struggled with the idea of his wife becoming a rising star in Hollywood. Tensions started to form between their desires and priorities.
James and Raquel’s Children
During their marriage, James and Raquel had two children. Their first child, Damon Welch, was born on November 6, 1959, and their daughter, Latanne “Tahnee” Welch, was born on December 26, 1961. Tahnee, named after James’s mother, followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming an actress and model. Damon also pursued a career in film and television.
Although James was not in the limelight, both of his children made their mark in the entertainment world, linking his legacy to Hollywood despite his own desire for privacy.
Why the Marriage Ended
While James and Raquel had a strong connection early on, their marriage faced many challenges. Raquel had big dreams of becoming an actress, and she wanted to move to New York to pursue her career. James, however, was content with his simpler life and had difficulty adjusting to Raquel’s growing fame.
As time passed, they began to grow apart. Their values and priorities no longer aligned, and despite their deep love for one another, they couldn’t find common ground. The couple officially divorced in 1964 after a period of separation. Raquel later described their relationship as one of young love, admitting that they didn’t have the tools to manage the complexities of a serious relationship. She said, “We were just kids in love,” acknowledging the innocence and inexperience that led to their parting.
Raquel Welch’s Regret
Despite her Hollywood success, Raquel Welch always carried the weight of her decision to leave James. In her memoir, she called him her “greatest love” and admitted that choosing her career over her family was the most painful decision of her life. She said that the hurt she caused James and their children would forever remain with her.
Raquel reflected on how she compared every man she met to James, even after their marriage ended. She described him as “the man of my dreams” and said that he was the one against whom all others were measured. This love story, while brief, left a lasting impact on Raquel that stayed with her throughout her life.
James’s Life After Divorce
After his divorce from Raquel, James Westley Welch remained largely out of the public eye. He chose to live privately, focusing on his own life rather than chasing fame or media attention. Over the years, he rarely gave interviews and kept his personal matters quiet.
In 1977, about 15 years after their divorce, James and Raquel met again. This reunion was calm and respectful, with the focus on their children and the future rather than their past. They shared a peaceful conversation but avoided discussing old wounds. It was a moment of closure for both of them.
James never remarried publicly, and his life remained out of the spotlight, focused on family and personal peace.
James Westley Welch’s Net Worth
As a tuna fisherman and later a businessman, James Westley Welch was never a celebrity and didn’t have the wealth that often comes with fame. His financial situation was never widely reported, and his wealth, if any, was modest. Unlike Raquel, whose career and fame brought substantial financial success, James led a quiet life away from the glitzy world of Hollywood. His story is not about wealth or stardom, but rather about love, privacy, and personal fulfillment.
Final Thoughts
James Westley Welch may not have sought the limelight, but his love story with Raquel Welch is one that continues to be remembered. Though their marriage was short-lived, the bond they shared in their youth was profound and had a lasting effect on both of their lives. James’s quiet life after the divorce, his dedication to family, and his role as Raquel’s first love show that some relationships, no matter how brief, leave an indelible mark on the heart.
FAQ Section
1. How long were James and Raquel Welch married?
James and Raquel Welch were married for five years, from 1959 to 1964.
2. Did Raquel Welch ever talk about James after the divorce?
Yes, Raquel Welch spoke about James as her “first true love” in her memoir and admitted that leaving him was the hardest decision of her life.
3. What happened to James Westley Welch after the divorce?
James Westley Welch led a private life after the divorce, staying away from the media and focusing on family and personal pursuits.
4. Is James Westley Welch still alive today?
As of 2025, there are no public records confirming his death. If alive, he would be around 85 years old.
5. What did James Westley Welch do for a living?
James worked as a tuna fisherman and later became a businessman. He never worked in the entertainment industry.
