James Perry Welch, Sr., 78 of Bedford, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at his residence. He was born on Friday, June 16, 1933 in Bedford County, VA, a son of the late John W. Welch, Sr. and Ida Reese Welch . He was also preceded in death by a son, James P. Welch, Jr., a daughter, Ruthie Welch Tuck, eight brothers, Ray C. Welch, John W. Welch, Jr., Jesse B. Welch, Thomas D. Welch, Robert W. Welch, Reese E. Welch, Charles R. Welch; three sisters, Mozelle Crenshaw, Willie E. Welch, Bessie A. Richhardt. He was a retired employee of the Virginia Department of Transportation, was a charter member of the Bedford Breakfast Lions Club, a member of the I. O. O. F. Peaksville Lodge #406, and a member of Suck Spring Baptist Church, where he was Deacon Emeritus. He was also a veteran of the U. S. Navy having served during the Korean Conflict. Surviving is his wife, Louise Wilkins Welch; three daughters, Judy W. Galanes & husband, Steve of Montvale, Kathy W. Jamison & husband, Dale of Hardy, Wanda W. Amos & husband, Lemar of Linden, a step-son, Chris Knox of Bedford, two brothers, A. K. Welch of NC, Roy J. Welch of Crossville, TN; a sister, Jane G. Bales of Chesapeake; six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. The family requests those wishing to make memorials to consider Bedford Ride, 1613 Oakwood Street, Bedford, VA 24524. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Suck Spring Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Cox, Rev. Jerry Parr and Rev. Stan Welch officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call Friday after 1 PM and the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.