James Richard “Jim” Welty, age 71, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

   Jim was born October 24, 1945, in Clay County, the son of Albert and Opal (Slade) Welty.  He married Loretta Hough on June 26, 1983, in Flora.  Jim was proud to be a Marine and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War as a radio operator.  Over the years, Jim worked at Southwire, Valley Steel, and Jenmar. He also did carpenter work throughout his life and was always working on something and enjoyed helping others.  Jim was at one time a member of E.S.D.A.  He loved to fish and spend time with his grandkids, attending their various activities.  He enjoyed living at Heritage Woods, reminiscing and reconnecting with friends from the past.

   Jim is survived by 4 children: Tracy (Becky) Welty of Holly Springs, NC, Angela (Jerry) Burkett of Xenia, Monty (Kristen) Murphy of Salem, and Cynthia Welty (Travis Field) of Farina; 9 grandchildren: Tyler Welty, Evan Welty, Elizabeth Sill, Emily Burkett, Amber Burkett, Jarrett Burkett, Hannah Murphy, Isabelle Murphy, and Allyson Murphy; 2 great-grandchildren: Logan Sill and Lucas Sill; 2 brothers: Dawerence Albert (Willene) Welty of Cisne and Bobby (Kathy) Welty of La Vergne, TN; 2 sisters-in-law: Ethel Welty of Clay City and Claudia Welty of Robinson; along with several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings: Darlene Durre, Veda Shrum, Duwayne Baughman, Danny Welty, and Paul Welty.

   A funeral service for Jim Welty will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora.  Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, with military honors.  Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2017, at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be given to the local D.A.V. or the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.