ENROLLED
2016 First Extraordinary Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 20
BY REPRESENTATIVE LANCE HARRIS
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Dr. James
Weathersby Welch, Jr.
WHEREAS, the members of the Louisiana House of Representatives were saddened
to learn of the passing of Dr. James Weathersby Welch, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Dr. and Mrs. James W. Welch, Sr., were pleased to welcome their only
son, James Weathersby Welch, Jr., fondly known as "Jim", to the family on June 18, 1937;
Jim joined sisters Joellen and Mary Ann in the Welch home; and
WHEREAS, Jim graduated from Bolton High School in 1955 and began his medical
training in ophthalmology at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he was chief resident
of his class; and
WHEREAS, while studying to become a doctor, Jim Welch answered the call of his
country and served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight surgeon in the Vietnam War; after his
stint in the Air Force, he returned to New Orleans to complete his medical training;
Dr. Welch practiced ophthalmology in his hometown of Alexandria for thirty-eight years;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Welch traveled to Mexico as a volunteer eye surgeon and worked
diligently to restore sight to those who could not afford traditional eye care; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Welch played tennis for many years with a group of friends, and
Thursday and Saturday afternoon tennis matches were among his greatest joys; and
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WHEREAS, Dr. James Welch, Jr., is survived by his wife of thirty-two years,
Elizabeth "Libba" Asher Welch; his children, Deborah, Cyntaya, and Julie Welch, Eleanor
Kuraishi, and James W. Welch, III; his grandchildren, Ben Thevenet, Cameron Thevenet,
C.J. Derecskey, Chaily Derecskey, and May Kuraishi; his sisters; his aunt, Pat Welch; and
former wife, May Louise White; and
WHEREAS, Dr. James Welch, Jr., will be remembered by his colleagues, medical
personnel, and patients as a caring physician who was passionate about his profession; Dr.
Welch will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby extend deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the
family and friends of Dr. James Weathersby Welch, Jr., in their time of mourning and does
hereby express best hopes and wishes for peace and comfort.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Dr. James Weathersby Welch, Jr.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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