James "Jim" Welsh

James "Jim" Welsh, 58, of Corbin passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2016 in the UK Hospital at Lexington.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, he was a son of the late Roger and Ruth Melvin Welsh. He was a mechanical engineer at the Firestone plant at Williamsburg.
Jim lived a full and blessed life, always surrounded by family and friends. He was very involved in the lives of his children, serving as soccer coach and team parent for more than 15 years. He also spent many years as the voice of the Corbin Soccer team, announcing every home game. His entire family could be found tail-gating in the fall at UK football games and glued to the TV watching UK basketball.
Aside from his family and friends, Jim's other passion was music. He served Immanuel Baptist Church as bass player, music coordinator, and interim music leader when needed. He impacted many lives in his time with the praise band. He also played bass for The Singing Redeemed, a local southern gospel band that played at different churches in the area.
He had a heart for missions, serving in Alaska and supporting his wife as she travelled to New York City and Haiti to serve. He also enjoyed serving in his local community and at Cedarmore to play with their band on missions.
He was famous for his one-liners and dry sense of humor. His 14 grandchildren will remember him as the Papaw that loved to tease and pick on them.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary Welsh; five children: Chuck Adams (Becky), Tracy Bryson (Steven), Troy Shafer (Monica), Amy LaLonde (Dan), and Suzi Taylor (Rob); grandchildren: Seth, Jonah, Kylie, Ethan, Allie, Josie, Keira, Anna, Lena, Maecyn, Hayley, Macon, Sawyer, and Aibhlinn; a sister, Suzie Edwards; a brother, Tom Welsh (Mary Jo); his mother-in-law, Phyllis Wiggins; and many other family and friends.
Jim's life will be celebrated at 3 pm Sunday at Immanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Allen Bonnell and Steven Bryson officiating. Burial will be at McFarland Cemetery in west Corbin.
Visitation will be from 7 until 9 pm Saturday and after 1:30 pm Sunday at the Church.
Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Baptist Church for music or missions.
Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home is serving the Welsh family and messages may be sent to