ROGERS — James (Jim) Ray Welch II,

age 76, of Rogers, Ark., passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Circle of Life in Bentonville, Ark.

He was born on August 31, 1947, in Claremore, Okla., to the late James Ray and Mary Frances Wright Welch. On May 24, 1974, he married the love of his life, Joyce Carlene Schafer, in Danville, Ark.

The two built a life together in various communities around the South before making northwes, Ark.nsas their home.

Jim served as an aviation electrician in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, and was particularly proud of his role on the Apollo 11 and 13 recovery missions. Following his military service, he dedicated himself to the City of Rogers, where he served as Director of Parks and Recreation from 1983 until 2005 before retiring. Jim played an integral role in the Greenway Project and the development of numerous parks and community facilities in the City of Rogers, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Jim Welch showed up. If he promised to be somewhere, he was there. Art showings, ballet recitals, cross country races — whatever you were passionate about — he was, too.

The world’s best (and loudest) cheerleader, his “Go Big Blue!” can still be heard echoing through the Mountie field house. He believed in people with voracity and always had a listening ear and solid advice for anyone willing to share a cup of coffee and his unwavering attention. He cherished being a grandpa and never missed a chance to cheer them on. Beyond his devotion to family and career, Jim had a deep love for his Heavenly Father.

Mr. Welch was preceded in death by his brother, Justin Franklin Welch.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Carlene Welch of Rogers; three daughters, Cari and her husband, Charles Kaufman of Lowell, Ark., Lora and her husband, Dustin Murphy of Fayetteville, and Alexis and her husband, Matthew Harper of Rogers; four cherished grandchildren, Alexander Kaufman of Fayetteville, Elizabeth Kaufman of Bentonville, Crawford Murphy of Fayetteville, Roman Murphy of Fayetteville; two brothers, Jeff Welch and his wife, Jody of Helena, Mont., John Welch and his wife, Diane of Lake Hamilton, Ark.; one sister, Belinda Horn of Sheridan, Ark. Jim also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, and nine beloved grand-pups.

Graveside services will be 12:30 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023, at the Fayetteville National Cemetery with military honors. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, located at 307 West Elm Street, Rogers, Ark. 72756.

Jim was passionate about community service and giving back to others. If you feel so led, he would love nothing more than a donation to your favorite charity in his honor. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Benton County Memorial Park & Funeral Home. For more information, please contact them at (479) 636-2412.