James F. Welte

James Welte passed away peacefully in his home in Blue Bell, on July 31st, 2024, at the age of 80, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Philadelphia on August 13, to Raymond and Ann Welte (nee McCool), James graduated from Roman Catholic High School in 1961.

He was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church in Manayunk for 46 years, as well as a parishioner of St. Genevieve Parish in Flourtown for many years.

Butch was a member of the United States Marine Corp. from October 1966 until October 1972.

James worked for the Philadelphia Gas Works for many years, and eventually transitioned to running the day-to-day at Carey’s 19th hole, adjacent to the Walnut Lane Golf Club.

James was the guy who immediately made both longtime guests and first-time visitors at Carey’s welcome, cared for and comfortable. He was the reason many of his longtime neighborhood pals would stop by. Our dad would listen to their stories, laugh along with them and make them feel heard after a long day on the job.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but we know, without a shadow of a doubt, that he is putting a smile on the faces of all of his previously deceased relatives and siblings.

He is survived by Marijo Welte (nee Wyatt), his wife of 56 years, along with his three sons, James Welte (Heidi Kotansky), Nicholas Welte (Denise) and Daniel Welte (Sherry). He is also survived by his most precious grandchildren, Finnegan, Christopher, Devon, Madelyn and Jackson. He is also survived by Sister Ann Raymond, IHM, (Dolly), his sister Sally Ann McDermott, and his brother Joseph Welte. James was predeceased by his siblings Marie, Ray and Lorraine.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Church – Manayunk, 119 Rector Street, Philadelphia, PA, where family and friends will be received from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.  Interment will be held privately.  Mass will be livestreamed and may be viewed using the following link: https://www.facebook.com/sjbmanayunk/live_videos/

If you would like to provide contributions or remembrances on James' behalf, please do so through the following: 

Camilla Hall, 100 Maxis Drive, Malvern, PA 19355: Camilla Hall Donation Link

St. John the Baptist Church, 119 Rector Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127: St. John the Baptist Church Donation Link