James Welch Obituary

WELCH -James Preston Welch,long-time Glendora resident James Preston Welch, who had worked in the aerospace industry and was a Boy Scout leader, died on November 3, 2004 in Shelton, WA. Throughout his career, Jim worked for Hughes Aircraft, Marquardt and Leach Corporation before founding Odetics, Inc. in 1969 with five partners. Mr. Welch became involved in Scouting in 1975 in Glendora, and what b egan as the participation of an interested parent, grew into a life mission. Mr. Welch served Troop 491 BSA, as a Webelos leader, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and as Quartermaster. In addition to his two sons, Mr. Welch helped 122 young men attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. Welch received numerous commendations and awards for his work with youth, including the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed by a local council of The Boy Scouts of America. Surviving are wife Roberta Welch of Shelton and Glendora; daughters Laurie Coots of Culver City and New York, Lisa Short and her husband Steve of Wasilla, Alaska; sons Michael Welch and his wife Jaretta of Norco, California and Mark Welch of Glendora; grandchildren Christopher Coots, Jessica and Jamie Short, Tyler, Collin and Tiffany Welch; and sister Lucille Rein of Seattle. Memorial Mass will be held on December 4th at 2:00 P.M. at St. Dorothy's Catholic Church at 241 S. Valley Center in Glendora. Burial was at Shelton Memorial Park. For more infor mation call 626-857-4762.