James V. Welding, Jr.

James V. Welding Jr. passed away on May 16, 2023 at his home in Wilmington, Delaware. He was a dynamic man who by strength of character and commitment to family and friends made a positive difference in the lives of all he touched. Jim was born to Katherine and James Sr. in Philadelphia in 1947. A devout Catholic and altar server, he attended St. Francis de Sales Elementary, West Catholic HS, and LaSalle College where in 1969 he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He had a remarkable group of friends with whom he stayed close for 60+ years. His youth was filled with pick-up basketball, touch football, cheesesteaks and cold Pepsi.

Jim joined the Army National Guard and throughout his life employed the self-discipline and mental toughness he acquired in basic training. He met his beloved wife Rosemarie in Center City and they were married in 1975. They relocated to Wilmington where he embarked upon an almost 40 year career with Liberty Mutual Insurance as manager of the Wilmington Office. He awoke every day eager to get to work. He earned Liberty Leaders multiple times throughout his career culminating with his induction into Liberty’s Hall of Fame, an accomplishment of which he was extremely proud.

He and Rosemarie raised their family in a home that brought him tremendous pride. Never one to sleep in late or sit still, he rose with the sun each day and stayed active until the end of his life. His weekends were spent attending weekly mass, cultivating his beautiful lawn, playing basketball at the JCC, coaching CYO basketball, ushering guests at IHM church, and golfing whenever possible. In retirement, he loved his condo in Naples, FL, La Playa Beach Club, dining out with “his bride” and friends , and fitting in as many golf rounds as possible at Wilmington Country Club. He was proud of his hole-in-one earned at Wilmington Country Club’s South Course hole #2 shortly before the BMW Championship.

Jim was as energetic and upbeat as his seven grandchildren with whom he built countless LEGOS, played cards, rescued and rehabilitated stuffed animals, and collected rare coins and baseball cards. Their precious Pop lives on in them.

James is survived by his wife of 48 years; his children, Jennifer (Michael Cellucci), and Matthew (Nicole Morrison), and Jason, his grandchildren Michael, Ava, Madalena, Sofia, Kyle, Grace, and Rocco; his siblings Patty O’Brien, Michael, Kathy (Dennis Viola), and Mary (Joe Sass), and nieces and nephews.

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Funeral Services

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 26 starting at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Road, Wilmington DE 19803. The Funeral Mass will start at 12:00 PM. Interment to follow at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington DE 19807.

Donations in Jim’s name can be made to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society via the following website: https://www.LLS.org/donate.

Condolences

Gerry Moore lit a candle and writes,

Condolences to Roe and family. I remember playing basketball with and against Jim, at St Francis de Sales gymnasium, aka THE PIT. Jim was tough as nails as a competitor, and he had a lot of heart, and gave his all in every endeavor, be it family, work, or athletics. He was a good role model for his family, friends, and co-workers. Gone too soon.

05/18/2023 08:03 pm

James Cafferky lit a candle and writes,

Jim was a great guy who, in addition to basketball was a tough competitor all around. We attended West together and LaSalle as well. we played against each other and were on the same Upper Darby Men's Rough touch league in the early 70s. He had great hands and a great smile as well. He will be missed!!!

05/19/2023 07:39 am

Indyia Hightower lit a candle and writes,

Sending my sincere condolences to the entire family at this time.

05/19/2023 09:40 am

Ken Jaskulski lit a candle and writes,

I met Jimmy back in the 80's playing hoops at the J. Jimmy was someone you always wanted to play with and hated to play against. We always joked about whether the games were better on Saturdays or Sundays. On occasional Saturdays he'd bring his Philly buddies to the gym - Franny, Joey, Chucky and Dom and they'd stay on the court all day. I'll always remember Jimmy as a very competitive person that always had a smile on his face. The world was a much better place with him in it and he will be missed.

05/19/2023 10:30 am

Vincent LaSalvia writes,

Rest in Peace Mr. Welding. My mom and dad are with you, please keep them company up there. You are so loved.

05/19/2023 12:00 pm

John Laursen writes,

Knew Jimmy years ago from the JCC basketball games and when he lead Libertys Wilm office. In both cases he was a man of high class and when things got out of control at the JCC it was Jimmy who got things under control and he wasnt a bad player either. God rest his kind soul

05/19/2023 02:13 pm

Bill Sudell writes,

Jim was a great guy and wonderful golfing buddy. He will be sorely missed.

05/19/2023 04:04 pm

Lynette Jackson writes,

Kathy, My condolences and prayers for you and your family during this sadden time.

05/19/2023 04:52 pm

Don Sawyer lit a candle and writes,

One of my favorite basketball fiends and competitors of all time. Pure class in everything he did. Jim was a true pro in all he did but took so much pride in his family. I was young when we played together and I learned a lot about being a parent from him. He will be missed for sure.

05/19/2023 11:21 pm

Farafonov Family writes,

Sending our sincere condolences to the entire family!

05/20/2023 09:25 am

Michael mcandrew lit a candle and writes,

So sorry to hear about Jimmy’s passing. I had two best friends growing up. Jimmy was one of them. We were born on June 7th. He was born at 9am. I was born at 9pm. Would always joked he was older. Again, so sorry about Jimmy’s passing. He a great person.

05/20/2023 12:09 pm

Ed Dealy lit a candle and writes,

I got to know Jim in the past 10-15 years through golf at Wilmington Country Club. I was always pleased to be in his company. I will very much miss Jim and his ready smile, positive attitude and our Philly sports discussions, especially Big Five basketball. He often reminded me he witnessed a hole-in-one of mine a few years back, so I am especially pleased he was able to experience that thrill in the last year of his life. May he rest in peace. (Unfortunately I will not be able to attend his visitation and Funeral Mass on May 26 as I have a medical procedure scheduled then.)

05/20/2023 12:33 pm

SPENCE SNYDERMAN lit a candle and writes,

I've known Jim for over 50 years starting with our days in the National Guard. Jim was always a high-energy guy with a big smile. He loved playing and talking about sports, but his true love was for his family. He was so proud of them. He was always upbeat and anyone who knew him enjoyed being in his company. He was the definition of a GOOD GUY. Rest in peace, my friend.

05/20/2023 05:25 pm

Dick and Kathleen Daly writes,

Dear Roe and family, It’s difficult to fully express the heartache and sorrow we feel since Jimmy’s untimely passing.Through the many years we have always held you both close to our hearts.Jim’s smile along with his great personality and big heart were contagious. We are grateful and will cherish the wonderful memories we shared always. “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.” W.B.Yeats It truly was an honor and privilege to be Jimmy’s friend.

05/20/2023 05:31 pm

Phil Immediato writes,

I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. As you beautifully described, Jim was a contagiously energetic person who dearly loved his family, was dedicated to his work, and brought enthusiasm to every conversation. I admired him as many people did. Mathew, you and I frequently talked about your Dad in the most glowing terms, as he deserved. Again, my sincere condolences to the entire family.

05/22/2023 10:31 am

Allison Friars lit a candle and writes,

My uncle was nothing short of an amazing man. He raised two of the best kids alongside my aunt and was always there for family in need. I will love you forever, and miss you always.

05/22/2023 01:05 pm

Joanne Monastra lit a candle and writes,

Jim, you were my"go to guy" during all my difficult times. You were always there for me. The"brother" I never had. I know you thought of me as your favorite sister in law. (I was your ONLY sister in law!) You and Roe made a great team and a great family. Your love for her and the rest of the family was unwavering. We shared so many good times together. Those memories will never be forgotten. I'm still numb to realizing I will never see that great smile of yours again. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace with all of our loved ones. Love you. Joanne or Jodie to you! Lol

05/22/2023 11:24 pm

Jacqueline Hawkins lit a candle and writes,

I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

05/23/2023 10:35 am

DEb and Laura writes,

Our deepest condolences. May God provide comfort during this difficult time.

05/24/2023 09:35 am

Catherine Welding lit a candle and writes,

Condolences fromj the Windsor Avenue Weldings to Ro, family and our cousins Patty, Kathy, Michael and Mary. We saw Jim and Ro a year ago at Betty’s visitation. Jim was looking well and exuded his usual enthusiasm. Our large Catholic family’ was united by the early deaths of our grandparents. The older sisters and brothers raised the younger five siblings. As a result the cousins shared a strong bond, and Jim’s death is felt strongly by his surviving cousins. Kitty, Joe, Mary Ann and Francis

05/24/2023 06:00 pm

Kathy Viola lit a candle and writes,

I have always been asked “Are you Jim Welding’s sister,” I would laugh and say yes. Jimmy always said that he was the “better looking one.” I have not even begun to realize that he will not be around anymore. I have wonderful memories of my childhood going to watch him play basketball at DeSales gym or football in South Philly. He would take me for a drive in his red Triumph or the green Mercury Cougar that he loved. We had great summers in Avalon and Sea Isle. I will always cherish those Christmas Day breakfasts at our parents’ house on Farragut Street & then at my house with all our children and grandchildren. He walked me down the aisle when I married my husband and mourned with me when we lost our parents. He was always there for me during the best and worst moments of my life. In my last conversation with him I told him that I loved him and that he was a force of nature. He was truly a presence in my life and everyone he met. His spirit will live on in his children, grandchildren and in me. I am truly blessed to be Jim Welding’s sister.

05/24/2023 10:41 pm

Chris McArthur lit a candle and writes,

I grew up first watching Jim and my Dad play at the JCC for 12+ years and then playing with them for at least 10 years after that. I’ve seen many comment on Jim’s competitiveness and definitely agree but my memories of Jim are more of him as a mentor in both basketball and in life in general. He did his best to help me on the court learning the game but also off the court when I was fresh out of college and searching for a career and later when the recession hit and was laid off and he helped connect me with a family friend for a new opportunity. He lived his life in such a way that he was a great role model for his children, grandchildren, bball family, and I expect many others. The best legacy is the impact you leave on others and for me Jim made me a better man and I will forever be grateful for him and his friendship.

05/25/2023 07:41 pm

Donna Woolard writes,

Kathy and family- so sorry for your loss.

05/26/2023 07:41 am

Joe and Carm Pasquini lit a candle and writes,

Sending our love and prayers to Roe and family. I remember the fun we had on Saturday night’s and watching Saturday night live back in the early days with you guys and Mare and Sal. We also would get together for Monday night football. Love to your whole family.

05/26/2023 10:19 am

Bob Norris lit a candle and writes,

My wish for family and his dear friends to keep the wonderful memories of Jim with you daily. His spirit and soul will be with you all for an eternity. When I saw him at the IHM basketball games watching our grandsons (Kyle for Jim and Mateo for me) we discovered we played basketball together at the JCC nearly 40 years previously. We shared our competitive spirit and joked who had the better jump shot! And we shared a love for Philly’s Big 5 and the Palestra! Wonderful memories. He will be remembered and missed.

05/26/2023 02:21 pm

Alycia H. Benson lit a candle and writes,

My heart aches for you Ro and the children as you travel this journey. It is unfortunate that I've been placed on this journey of loosing my beloved in 2018 at home. As you know, Jim and I worked together in the Business Sales Dept. for many years and all that has been written speaks, Jim Welding. I pray God mend your broken hearts as only He can. Sorrowfully Submitted, Alycia

03/01/2024 11:50 am

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