FRANKLIN-----Frederick J. “Jim” Welch, 86, of Baldwin Street, died on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at the Mountain Ridge Center, Franklin.
Jim was born on May 6, 1933 in Lancaster the son of Raymond and Wyoma (Witham) Welch.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952 – 1972.
Jim was a business owner in Plymouth and typesetter for the Plymouth Record Enterprise and Purser on the MV Mount Washington.
Jim was a 60-year member of the Masons where he was Past Worshipful Master and Secretary of Olive Branch Lodge #16 where he received the Major General John Sullivan Award and was District Education Officer. He was also a member of The Order of Eastern Star Ellacoya Chapter #43 and a DeMolay advisor.
Jim was also a proud member of the American Legion Durand-Haley Post #66 and VFW Mount Prospect Post #4483.
Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Constance (Connolly) Welch, of Northfield; sons, Frederick J. Welch, Jr., of Bradford, VT and Daniel C. Welch, of Meredith, daughter, Debra J. Welch, of Bradford, VT; step sons, Kevin D. Thomas and his wife Lane, of Sandwich and Stephen B. Thomas and wife Penny, of Madison, 3 grandchildren, Kathryn Stansfield, Lisa Williams, Jennifer Welch; step grandchild, Maylin Thomas; 8 great grandchildren, and his brother Harry A. Welch Sr., of Meredith. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his first wife, JoAnne M. Welch, brother, Raymond E. Welch, Jr. and by sisters, Mildred G. Bean and Virginia M. Carter.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH using the Carriage House entrance.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11:00am at the St. James Episcopal Church, 2238 Parade Road, Laconia, NH.
Burial with Military Honors will follow at Village Cemetery, Meredith NH.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children Springfield, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or to the NH Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street is assisting with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.