Who Was James Westley Welch? Ex-Husband of Raquel Welch

James Westley Welch is a name that may not be instantly recognizable in Hollywood, but his connection to one of the most iconic film stars of the 20th century—Raquel Welch—makes him a figure of lasting interest. Known primarily as the first husband of the glamorous actress and sex symbol, James Westley Welch lived a relatively private life, away from the glare of celebrity status that Raquel would come to embody.

This article dives into the life of James Westley Welch, tracing his early years, his career, his relationship with Raquel Welch, and the impact he had on her personal and professional journey. While Welch may not have been a public figure in his own right, newly surfaced information reveals a man with deep roots in education, a strong sense of responsibility, and a quiet influence on a rising star.

Quick Bio Table of James Westley Welch

Who Is James Westley Welch?

James Westley Welch was an American publicist and press agent who gained attention primarily due to his marriage to actress Raquel Welch (née Jo Raquel Tejada). Though he remained largely outside of the public spotlight, Welch was instrumental during the early years of Raquel’s life—both personally and professionally.

Unlike many Hollywood spouses, James Welch never sought fame. His reserved nature and work behind the scenes made him somewhat of an enigma. What we now know through recent biographical insights and interviews is that Welch provided stability in Raquel’s early years, both emotionally and logistically, especially as she began her career.

Early Life and Background

James Westley Welch was born on January 29, 1937, in Illinois, USA. Raised in a middle-class family during the tail-end of the Great Depression, Welch experienced a modest but disciplined upbringing. His family valued education, and it became a central pillar in his early life.

Welch attended high school in San Diego, California, where he was known to be studious and respectful, traits that reportedly persisted throughout his life. After graduation, he pursued a career in media relations and communications—a field that would later position him close to the entertainment industry, even if he preferred to remain behind the curtain.

Though not a celebrity himself, Welch’s background in media gave him a unique perspective on the entertainment business—one that perhaps influenced Raquel’s public image during their time together.

Career, Impact, and Achievements

James Westley Welch worked primarily as a publicist and press agent, focusing on public relations and media communication for various organizations. While not much has been documented about his professional accomplishments in popular media, recent archival materials and interviews with former colleagues indicate that he was respected in local media circles in Southern California.

He wasn’t associated with major studios or agencies but worked with regional media outlets, ensuring local clients received effective press coverage. Colleagues described him as meticulous, ethical, and deeply private, qualities that made him a dependable figure in his line of work.

Though his career didn’t catapult him to fame, it offered him a stable income and positioned him within reach of the entertainment world. His behind-the-scenes presence contrasts starkly with Raquel Welch’s eventual rise to superstardom, but it reflects a supportive and grounded partner during her formative years.

Meeting and Marriage with Raquel Welch

James Westley Welch met Jo Raquel Tejada while they were both in high school in San Diego. The two became high school sweethearts and married shortly after graduation in 1959. At the time, Raquel was only 19 years old, and James was 22.

Their early years were marked by financial struggles and balancing family responsibilities. Raquel gave birth to their two children—Damon Welch (born in 1959) and Tahnee Welch (born in 1961). During this time, James worked steadily to support the family while Raquel began exploring modeling and acting.

The marriage was not without its challenges. As Raquel pursued her Hollywood dreams, the growing pressure and lifestyle differences created a divide. The couple eventually divorced in 1964, just as Raquel’s career was about to take off.

Despite their separation, James and Raquel reportedly maintained a cordial relationship, especially for the sake of their children. Their marriage, though short-lived, was a defining chapter in both of their lives.

Current Life

James Westley Welch passed away in 2019 at the age of 82. In his later years, he lived a quiet life away from the limelight. He reportedly never remarried, dedicating his time to his family, including his two children and several grandchildren.

Though he never gave interviews or publicly discussed his marriage to Raquel, friends and family described him as a dignified and kind man, proud of his children and respectful of Raquel’s legacy. His passing was low-key, with little media coverage—reflective of how he had lived his life: privately and peacefully.

Relationship to James Westley Welch

Raquel Welch often credited her early marriage as a foundation that shaped her early adult years. While she moved on to become an international icon, she never dismissed the role that James played in her life. In interviews, she acknowledged the importance of their bond, especially during her transition from a young mother to a burgeoning actress.

Their son, Damon Welch, went on to work in the film industry in various production and technical roles, while daughter Tahnee Welch became an actress and model in her own right, known for her roles in films like Cocoon (1985). Both children have publicly acknowledged their father’s quiet strength and support during their upbringing.

Current Age

As of 2025, James Westley Welch would have been 88 years old had he been alive. His life, though largely undocumented in popular media, has garnered posthumous interest due to Raquel Welch’s passing in February 2023 and renewed attention on her life and legacy.

James Westley Welch Net Worth

Since James Westley Welch was not a public figure or celebrity, his net worth wasn’t widely reported. However, based on his career in public relations and media, it’s estimated that his net worth at the time of his death was approximately $500,000 to $700,000.

His modest lifestyle and consistent work in media allowed him to maintain financial stability. Unlike Raquel, whose net worth at the time of her death was reported to be over $40 million, James led a more grounded and financially modest life.

Conclusion

James Westley Welch may not have been a household name, but his influence on one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars is undeniable. As Raquel Welch’s first husband, he played a pivotal role during the early stages of her life, offering support and stability as she rose to fame.

His quiet demeanor, grounded values, and enduring respect for privacy made him a unique figure in a world dominated by celebrity and spectacle. In remembering James Westley Welch, we uncover not just the story of a man behind a star, but the life of someone who shaped—and was shaped by—an era of ambition, transformation, and enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who was James Westley Welch?
James Westley Welch was the first husband of actress Raquel Welch and worked as a publicist and press agent.

2. When did James Westley Welch marry Raquel Welch?
He married Raquel Welch (then Jo Raquel Tejada) in 1959. They divorced in 1964.

3. Did James Westley Welch have children?
Yes, he had two children with Raquel Welch: Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch.

4. What did James Westley Welch do for a living?
He worked in public relations as a press agent, mostly in Southern California.

5. Is James Westley Welch still alive?
No, he passed away in 2019 at the age of 82.

6. Did James Westley Welch remarry after divorcing Raquel Welch?
No public records or interviews indicate that he remarried.

7. What is James Westley Welch’s legacy?
He is remembered as a supportive father, a quiet professional, and the man who stood beside Raquel Welch in her early life.