Not many people know the name James Westley Welch, but his story is full of love, memories, and real life away from fame. He was the first husband of Raquel Welch, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
They fell in love when they were just teenagers. While Raquel became famous, James chose a simple and quiet life. In this article, we’ll explore who he was, how their love began, and what their life looked like before fame stepped in.
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 not an actor, not a producer, and not part of Hollywood. He was a tuna fisherman from San Diego, California, born in 1940. He liked the ocean, lived a peaceful life, and stayed out of the spotlight.
People mostly know him as the first husband of Raquel Welch. But for Raquel, he was more than that. In her words, he was her “first true love.” And even years after they separated, she still carried his last name — Welch.
James Westley Welch’s Early Life
James grew up in a regular American family. His mother’s name was Tahnee Land, and he had three siblings — Jan, Jerry, and Judy. He went to La Jolla High School in San Diego.
He was not a big fan of school. In fact, he dropped out in his final year. Instead of books, he was drawn to the sea. He later became a tuna fisherman and even traveled as far as Peru for fishing trips. He preferred life on the water more than anything else.
James’ School Love Story
At just 15 years old, James met a girl who would never forget him — Raquel Welch. She was a cheerleader. He played football. He had green eyes and drove a car. For young Raquel, it felt like a dream.
She said in her book that she fell in love right away. Their favorite song was “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke. They went to school dances, ate burgers after games, and kissed in the car. It was a sweet, teenage love story — the kind that stays in your heart forever.
James Westley Welch’s Marriage
In 1959, after James returned from a fishing trip, Raquel Welch dropped out of college to marry him. They had a low-budget wedding in Las Vegas. She was only 19 years old.
Her parents were not happy. Her father was angry, and her mother was unsure. But Raquel wanted to follow her heart. They moved into a small apartment near the beach. She cooked, cleaned, and started doing small TV and modeling jobs. James, on the other hand, found it hard to adjust to her growing career.
Meet James’ Children
James and Raquel had two children. Their first child, Damon Welch, was born on November 6, 1959. Their second child, a daughter named Latanne “Tahnee” Welch, was born on December 26, 1961. Tahnee was named after James’s mother.
Damon later worked in film and television. Tahnee became an actress and model. Even though James was not in the spotlight himself, both his children went on to be part of the entertainment world, just like their mother.
Why the Marriage Ended
James Westley Welch and Raquel tried to make their young marriage work, but it wasn’t easy. James wanted a simple life. Raquel, on the other hand, had big dreams and a growing career.
They started to move in different directions. Raquel wanted to act, to move to New York and chase her goals. James was not comfortable with that. In the end, they just couldn’t find common ground. After being separated for a while, they officially divorced in 1964.
Raquel later said that they were just “kids in love.” She admitted they didn’t know how to manage a serious relationship. In a 1973 interview, James even said, “I was a b**tard to Raquel a lot of the time.” But he also said their marriage had beautiful moments. They were young, and they did love each other deeply.
Raquel Welch’s Regret
Even after becoming a big Hollywood star, Raquel Welch never forgot James. In her book, she said that leaving James was the most painful decision she ever made.
She wrote that choosing her career over her family caused real hurt. She said the damage it did to James and their children was something she would always carry. It wasn’t just a breakup — it was a moment that changed everything.
Raquel also said that James Westley Welch was her greatest love. She described him as “the man of my dreams” and “the one all others were compared to.” That shows just how deeply he stayed in her heart, even after their lives moved in different directions.
James’s Life After Divorce
After their divorce, James Westley Welch stayed away from the spotlight. He didn’t give interviews. He didn’t try to be in the media. He just lived quietly and focused on his life.
In 1977, about 15 years after their split, James reached out to Raquel. They met again and had a peaceful talk. They didn’t talk about the past. They talked about their kids and their future. It was a calm and respectful meeting between two people who once shared everything.
James never remarried publicly. He never chased fame. Even though Raquel became a global star, James chose to live quietly. As of 2025, if he is still alive, he would be around 85 years old.
James Westley Welch’s Net Worth
James Westley Welch was not a celebrity, so his net worth was never publicly shared. He worked as a tuna fisherman and later became a businessman, but he always stayed out of the public spotlight.
There are no reports of him having large wealth or celebrity status. He lived a private life, focused on family and his own path. His story is more about love and real life — not about money or fame.
Final Thoughts
James Westley Welch may not be a name you hear often, but his story is unforgettable. He was the first love of a woman the world admired. He lived outside of the fame, but his role in Raquel Welch’s heart was huge.
Their love story started young, grew quickly, and ended too soon. But it left a mark that lasted forever. Even after Hollywood, red carpets, and decades of stardom, Raquel kept his name and his memory close.
That says something powerful — that some love stories never truly fade, even if they don’t last forever.
(FAQs)
How long were James and Raquel Welch married?
They were married for five years, from 1959 to 1964. They met in high school and got married when Raquel was just 19.
Did Raquel Welch ever talk about James after the divorce?
Yes. In her memoir, Raquel called James her “first true love.” She said breaking up with him was the hardest decision of her life and that she always compared other men to him.
What happened to James Westley Welch after the divorce?
He lived a very private life and stayed away from the media. He later met with Raquel in 1977 to talk about their children but kept his life quiet.
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, living privately away from the spotlight.
What did James Westley Welch do for a living?
He worked as a tuna fisherman. He once traveled as far as Peru for fishing and later became a businessman. He never worked in the film or TV industry.
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