James J. Welch

February 2, 2011

James J. Welch, Sr., 84, formerly of Fairmount, died early Wednesday morning at the Syracuse Home after a long illness. Jim was born on February 6, 1926 in Ilion, NY to Harold and Helen (Dempsey) Welch. Jim grew up in Frankfort, NY, and attended Frankfort High School. He graduated from Union College in 1951 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II mainly on board the USS San Francisco. After the war, for a short time, he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation in Arizona and then went to work for General Electric for several years until he accepted the position of City Engineer of Little Falls, NY. As city Engineer, Jim is credited with many accomplishments, including construction of the Little Falls Municipal Golf Course. In 1962, Jim was appointed as director of the Onondaga County Water Authority. Jim filled the position as the Administrative Director until retirement in 1988. Jim was active in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and served as Chairman of the New York Section from 1978 to 1979. He served as the International Director of the AWWA New York Section from 1980 to 1983. Jim was married to Nancy Allen of Mechanicville NY. He and Nancy raised five children. Together, they enjoyed traveling, finding treasures, and being with children and grandchildren. Jim was also a winemaker, loved cooking, shopping, and his dog, Jack. Jim was known by all for his warmth, generosity and compassion. He saw many of life’s challenges with a positive outlook. Jim was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and the Owls Club. He was predeceased by his wife Nancy, of more than 40 years, and his brother Dr. Harold Welch. He is survived by his children: Margaret of Baldwinsville, James of Palo Alto, CA; Amy of Ames, IA; Anne of Kenmore, NY; and Mary of Evergreen, CO; twelve grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His children will welcome relatives and friends during calling hours from 5 to 8 pm Friday at B.L. Bush & Sons Funeral Home, 10 Main St in the village of Camillus. A remembrance service will be held at 10 am Saturday at the funeral home. Jim will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt. Donations may be made in his name to the Syracuse Home Association, 7740 Meigs Rd, Baldwinsville, NY 13027. Please sign his guestbook at www.BLBUSH.com