Raquel Welch fell for James Westley Welch at first sight, and their union was supposed to last forever. But life had other plans for them.
Despite Raquel Welch being married three more times after James Westley Welch, she sees him as her first and true love. Raquel Welch fondly recalls the day she first encountered James in her memoir. As she hurried up the steps to her American government class, she was captivated by his presence and charming smile.
They were both fifteen at the time, and their connection was immediate. Welch describes him as someone who didn’t demand much from her but showered her with the affection she craved. Raquel cherished and held her first husband in high regard throughout her memoir.
She expressed that he would always have a special place in her heart, the standard against which she would judge all her subsequent loves. She retained his last name till her death. Raquel Welch passed away at her residence in Los Angeles after a short period of illness On February 15, 2023.
Who Is James Westley Welch?
James was Raquel Welch’s first husband. Born on January 29, 1937, James Westley Welch’s parents were Doris Latanne Hilburn and Hiram Joseph Welch. Information about his early life and education is limited.
However, during his senior year, he chose to drop out of school and embarked on a journey to Peru on a tuna clipper, demonstrating his disinterest in academics. It is said that he worked in roles such as an agent and publicist.
Did James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch Elope?
While James Welch was in Peru, he and Raquel Welch maintained communication. Raquel, studying theater arts on a scholarship at San Diego State College, received updates about James through letters from abroad. James’ mother, Tahnee Land, kept Raquel informed and was always kind to her.
Upon James’ return from his travels, tanned and fit, Raquel decided to drop out of college and marry him in Las Vegas in 1959, with the approval of Land but not her mother, who was unhappy with the situation. Shortly after their elopement, Raquel became pregnant with their son Damon.
Despite juggling her modeling and television commitments, Raquel managed to maintain a tidy home in their small apartment in Pacific Beach. However, James struggled to cope with Raquel’s growing fame and successful career.
James Welch and Raquel Welch’s Marriage
James Welch and Raquel Welch soon broke up but reconciled briefly, during which time they had a daughter named Tahnee. Tahnee was named after James’ mother. Being a child of divorce herself, Raquel understood the importance of creating a happy and stable environment for her children.
Recognizing the need for a fresh start, she took their two children and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. Raquel explained that after three and a half years of marriage, she realized that the only way to leave her husband was to physically distance herself, leading her to “vanish” from his life.
The couple eventually divorced in 1964. In 1973, James became a successful president of a multimillion-dollar company. He admitted that he had not always treated Raquel well, describing himself as “a b**tard” at times. However, he emphasized that their relationship also had its beautiful and idyllic moments, highlighting that they were young and deeply in love.
For Raquel, the decision to end their relationship was the most painful one she had ever made. Reflecting on their breakup, she expressed regret and acknowledged that she should have stayed for the sake of their children. Raquel emphasized that while people often talk about “falling in love,” there is also a need for a will to love, especially when the initial excitement fades away.
However, due to their young age, they lacked the necessary maturity and relationship skills to navigate and sustain such a love. In hindsight, Raquel recognized they were too young to possess the qualities required for a lasting and fulfilling partnership.
Did James Welch’s Wife Remarry?
After her divorce from James Welch, Raquel entered into three more marriages. Her first post-James marriage was to Hollywood producer Patrick Curtis, whom she worked with on the film “A Swingin’ Summer” in 1965. They married two years later at Paris’ City Hall but divorced in 1972, making it Raquel’s shortest marriage. Patrick Curtis passed away at the age of 83 in November 2022.
The second filmmaker who captured Raquel’s heart was André Weinfeld. They married in 1980 and enjoyed a happy marriage for ten years. André expressed his satisfaction with their relationship, mentioning that Hollywood marriages lasting only three months were considered long by today’s standards. However, their marriage eventually ended due to the challenges of living in different locations, with Raquel returning to Los Angeles while André remained in New York.
Richard Palmer, a pizzeria owner, was Raquel’s third husband. They met at a party in 1996, and three years later, they tied the knot. Richard praised Raquel as a living legend and enjoyed various privileges associated with being married to her, such as great seats at fights and access to desired locations. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in 2004, terminating Richard’s special benefits.
On the other hand, we can’t tell if James ever remarried as he has kept a low profile after his divorce from Raquel.
Where Is James Welch Today?
Many have wondered if James Welch is still alive and kicking. Sadly, the answer is “NO.” James reportedly died on November 23, 2019, at 82. His family or close associates have not disclosed the specific cause of his death.
However, his love story with Raquel has kept him in the news till today. Another love story worth remembering is that of Betty White and Allen Ludden. Theirs was a fairytale romance.
