James Arthur Welch, Jr.-age 76 of Knoxville passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at UT Medical Center. James believed in Jesus and loved his family and spending time with them and would help with anything. He had worked on a farm as a child and as an adult. Preceded in death by his parents, James Welch, Sr. and Nola Garrett; daughters, Patty Jackson and Sheila Nicley; grandson, James Bailey; siblings, Harrison Lundy, Lillie Norton.

He is survived by his son, Thomas Clay Welch; grandchildren, Rosie Varner, Barbara Bailey, Tiffany McMahan, Thomas McMahan; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Robert Welch; sister, Charlotte Bankston and a host of nieces and nephews, special nephew, Chris Bankston.

The family will receive friends 5-7 pm Wednesday, April 8, 2026, with the funeral service to follow at 7 pm Wednesday, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary Chapel, Rev. Bobby Phillips officiating. Interment 11 am Thursday, April 9, 2026, Little Flat Creek Cemetery, Corryton. Family and friends will meet 10:45 am Thursday at the cemetery. Pallbearers: Aldric Phillips, Daniel Phillips III, Jason Varner, Daidrian Howell, Chris Williams, Thomas Welch.
Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.