When we talk about James Westley Welch, many people think of Raquel Welch, the famous actress. But James has his own story too. He was Raquel’s first husband. Their life together began in high school. Their story is filled with young love and big change. Let us share his life in a simple and clear way.
Quick Bio: James Westley Welch
Details | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | James Westley Welch |
Connection | First husband of Raquel Welch |
Marriage Date | Married May 8, 1959 |
Separation | Separated around 1962 |
Divorce Date | Divorced in 1964 |
Children | Damon Welch (son), Tahnee Welch (daughter) |
Early Life / Career | Reports say he worked as a tuna fisherman |
Later Career | Became a real estate developer in later years |
Birth and Death | Not widely public information |
Location | Lived in Southern California |
Legacy | Known for his early relationship and family life with Raquel Welch |
Early Life and Meeting Raquel
Very little is known about James’s early life. But we do know that he met Raquel Welch when they were teens. Raquel and James were high school sweethearts. They fell in love in San Diego and stayed close through school days.
Raquel saw James as her first love. They were close in school and this connection led them to marriage soon after graduation.
Marriage to Raquel Welch

In a simple ceremony, James and Raquel married on May 8, 1959 in Las Vegas. Raquel was still in college at that time. They were young and full of hope.
The early years of their marriage were not easy. Some reports say James worked as a tuna fisherman. He would often be away for many months fishing the sea. Raquel felt lonely at home. She had to care for everything at home while James was away.
Family: Damon and Tahnee
James and Raquel had two children. Their son, Damon Welch, was born on November 6, 1959. About two years later, their daughter Latanne “Tahnee” Welch was born on December 26, 1961.
Raquel was raising two children mostly on her own because James was often away. The long absences and her busy early career made life hard for her.
Separation and Divorce
By 1962, Raquel and James had grown apart. They decided to separate and live separately. Their divorce was finalized in 1964, which made it official.
Even after the divorce, Raquel kept the last name Welch. That name became part of her famous identity in Hollywood.
James’s Later Life and Career
After the divorce, James moved into a different life path. He left fishing or early publicity work behind and focused on real estate. Over time, he became a successful real estate developer. He built properties and made a name for himself in housing development and investment.
His story shows that he worked hard and found success in a new field. He built a life and career separate from fame, but still interesting and meaningful.
Personal Life After Raquel
After marrying and divorcing Raquel, James married again. He married a woman named Jean and reportedly had a son with her, though details are private and not well documented.
He lived a private life away from the Hollywood spotlight. His focus seemed to remain on his work and his family.
Summary of His Life

- James was Raquel Welch’s high school sweetheart and first husband.
- They married young, had two children, and separated after a few years.
- He later became a real estate developer, building a stable life for himself.
- He lived quietly and out of the spotlight, yet he played a key part in early years of a Hollywood icon.
Why He Matters
James Westley Welch’s story is important for three reasons:
- Love and Youth: He represents young love in a simple era and shows how life can change quickly.
- Fatherhood: He is the father of two children who grew up to make their own paths in life.
- Life After Fame: His later career shows that a person can change direction and still find success.
Final Thoughts
James Westley Welch was more than a name connected to a star. He was a real person with his own story. His early life, marriage, children, and later success in real estate show a journey of love, change, and quiet strength.
Even though most people know Raquel, it helps to remember the lives behind the camera too. James’s story gives us a glimpse of the man behind the name and the simple, human life behind fame.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is James Westley Welch?
He was the first husband of the actress Raquel Welch. - When did they get married?
They married on May 8, 1959. - How many children did they have?
They had two children: Damon Welch (son) and Tahnee Welch (daughter). - What happened to their marriage?
They separated around 1962 and divorced in 1964. - What work did James do early in life?
He reportedly worked as a tuna fisherman, often away from home. - What work did he do later?
He became a real estate developer and found success in building and investing in housing. - Did James remarry?
Yes, he reportedly married a woman named Jean and had a son with her. - Did Raquel keep his last name?
Yes, Raquel kept the last name “Welch” after the divorce and used it as her stage name. - Where did they live?
They lived in Southern California, around San Diego and Los Angeles areas. - Is James still alive?
There is no widely available public information about his current status or date of death.
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