James Westley Welch: The True Story of Raquel Welch’s Ex-Husband

When people talk about Raquel Welch, they often think about her movies, her beauty, and her huge success in Hollywood. But long before all the fame, there was one person who shaped her early life in a very deep way — James Westley Welch. He was not a movie star, not a public figure, and not someone who enjoyed fame. Yet, he was the man Raquel called her first true love.

Their story began in high school. It was simple, sweet, and full of young dreams. Even after their marriage ended, Raquel always remembered him in a special way. In this article, we will look at who James Westley Welch really was and how his life became a meaningful chapter in Raquel’s journey.

Today, we will walk through his early life, his teenage romance with Raquel, their marriage, their young family, and the moments that shaped everything that came next.

James Westley Welch Quick Bio

Who Was James Westley Welch?

James Westley Welch was best known as Raquel Welch’s ex-husband, but his life was much bigger than just that title. He was a quiet man who did not enjoy the spotlight. While Raquel became famous around the world, James chose a simple and private path. He liked steady work, real life experiences, and staying away from Hollywood noise.

Even though he lived a private life, his name is still remembered today because he played such a big role in Raquel’s younger years. Their love story touched her heart so deeply that she carried his name, “Welch,” for the rest of her life. Many people may not know his full story, but once you look closer, you find a man who lived with strength, calm, and deep love during his early years with Raquel.

Early Life of James Westley Welch

James was born in 1940 in San Diego, California. He grew up in a simple and warm home with his mother, Tahnee Land, and his siblings Jan, Jerry, and Judy. His early life was not fancy or rich. It was the kind of childhood many people can relate to — school days, family moments, and dreams of the future.

As a young boy, James was known for being quiet and thoughtful. He was not the type who talked too much. Instead, he liked action and real-life experiences. He was strong, adventurous, and loved being outdoors. These qualities later pushed him toward hard jobs, like working on tuna fishing boats, which shaped his character even more.

He didn’t enjoy school very much. He preferred learning through life, not books. This made him different from Raquel, who was an honors student. Even though they had opposite strengths, it was these differences that made their connection interesting later on.

How James Westley Welch Met Raquel Welch

James and Raquel met at La Jolla High School when they were both just 15 years old. It was one of those classic high school moments — a new face in class, a quick glance, and something warm in the heart. Raquel said that the first time she saw James, she felt something special.

At that time, Raquel was a cheerleader, full of energy and dreams. James played on the football team and had a calm, quiet style that drew her in. He had striking green eyes, dark hair, and a strong presence that made people notice him without him trying.

Raquel later wrote in her memoir that she believed she was “destined” to be with him. It was young love, but in her heart, it felt real. She said he was the man she wanted to have her children with, even when she was still a teenager. This tells us how deep and powerful their early bond truly was.

Their High School Romance

High school love can be sweet, exciting, and sometimes confusing. For James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch, it was all of that and more. Their romance grew naturally. They spent time together at football games, school dances, and long car rides.

James was one of the few boys in school who had a car, and Raquel loved riding with him to school in the mornings. For her, it felt like a dream. She described those moments as “heaven.” They would listen to music, talk about life, or just enjoy the quiet together.

Their favorite song was “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke. They played it often, and it became their love song. They would grab burgers after games, dance at school events, and talk about their hopes for the future. Even with their differences — her love for school and his love for adventure — they always found their way back to each other.

Young love is powerful because it feels simple and pure. That was exactly what James and Raquel shared during those early years.

James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch’s Wedding

After high school, life began to move fast for both of them. James left school and traveled to Peru to work on tuna fishing boats. Raquel went to college to study theater. But even with distance, their hearts stayed connected.

When James returned home, Raquel felt the same excitement she felt at 15. She was deeply in love and wanted to be with him fully. So, at only 19 years old, she made a brave and surprising decision — she dropped out of college and married James.

Their wedding took place on May 8, 1959, in Las Vegas. It was not a big wedding. It was simple, affordable, and full of emotion. Raquel’s father was upset with her decision, but Raquel followed her heart anyway. Her mother was worried too, but she knew her daughter was strong and determined.

As newlyweds, James and Raquel started their life in a small apartment. They were young, hopeful, and ready to build a life together. No one knew then that Raquel would one day become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Family Life and Children of James Westley Welch

Not long after the wedding, James and Raquel welcomed their first child, Damon Welch, on November 6, 1959. Raquel was only 19 when she became a mother, and she later said it was a very young age to take on such a big responsibility.

Two years later, their daughter Latanne “Tahnee” Welch was born on December 26, 1961. Raquel named her daughter after James’s mother, which shows how close she felt to his family at that time.

Their family life was sweet but also challenging. Raquel was working small jobs, like weather girl spots and modeling, while trying to take care of the children. James was working hard too, trying to support the family and find his path in life.

They were just kids themselves, trying to act like adults. And even though they loved each other, the pressure of parenting, money, and dreams began to grow around them.

Why James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch’s Marriage Fell Apart

Even though their love was strong, life slowly began to pull James and Raquel in different directions. They were very young, and they did not have enough experience to handle the heavy responsibilities that came with marriage and parenthood. Many people can relate to this feeling — sometimes love is not enough when life gets harder.

Raquel had big dreams. She wanted to act, perform, and explore a bigger world. But James wanted a quiet and simple life. He did not want the spotlight or the pressure that comes with fame. These opposite dreams created a gap between them that grew wider with time.

By 1962, the stress became too much. They separated, and in 1964, the divorce became final. Raquel later said that leaving James was one of the hardest choices of her life. She loved him deeply, but she also knew she had to follow her own path. Their marriage ended, but the memories stayed with her forever.

How Raquel Welch Felt About James After the Divorce

Even after their marriage was over, Raquel always spoke about James Westley Welch with warmth and love. In her memoir, she called him her “first true love.” She said he was the man she compared all her later partners to. That tells us how deeply he touched her heart.

She also shared that she regretted leaving him so quickly. She believed that her career dreams, her young age, and her fast rise to fame all played a part in the breakup. But in her heart, the love she felt for James never fully faded.

It is also meaningful that she kept the name “Welch” for her entire life. She carried it through Hollywood, through decades of fame, and through all her later marriages. This shows how much his name stayed connected to her identity and her early journey.

James Westley Welch’s Life After Raquel

After the divorce, James stepped away from Raquel’s Hollywood world and built a life that suited him better. He did not want fame or attention. Instead, he focused on work, family, and simple living. Many people admire this kind of quiet strength.

He began working as a publicist and agent, and later he found success in real estate development. Over the years, he built a strong career and created a stable life for himself. His work brought him financial success, and at one point, he became quite wealthy.

James also found love again. He remarried a woman named Jean, and together they had a son. This chapter of his life was private, calm, and far away from cameras. Even though he had once been connected to one of the most famous women in the world, he preferred a life where he could simply be himself.

Reunion After 15 Years

In 1977, something unexpected happened. James reached out to Raquel after 15 years of no contact. He wanted to reconnect with their children, Damon and Tahnee, and learn more about their lives. This moment was important, not only for him but also for the whole family.

When they finally met again, it was emotional but peaceful. They were both older and wiser. Instead of talking about their past problems, they focused on their children’s future. They shared stories, asked questions, and showed support for each other’s lives.

Raquel later said she was happy to see that James was doing well and living a successful life. James, in return, was proud of Raquel’s achievements. This reunion brought closure, kindness, and respect — something many people hope for when reconnecting with an old love.

The Later Years and Death of James Westley Welch

In his later years, James continued to live a quiet life. He stayed close to his family and enjoyed the peace he created for himself. He did not make public appearances, give interviews, or look for attention. He was simply a man who valued privacy and real moments.

On November 23, 2019, James Westley Welch passed away at the age of 82. His death was due to natural causes. Even though he lived far from the spotlight, his name still appears in stories, articles, and memories connected to Raquel and their children.

His legacy lives on through his three children and through the gentle role he played in Raquel’s early life. He may not have been famous, but he made a real impact on the people close to him.

Final Thoughts

Today, people still search for his name because they want to understand the deeper parts of Raquel Welch’s life. Behind every famous person, there is someone who helped shape their journey. For Raquel, that person was James.

His story matters because it shows a side of Raquel that many people never saw. It reminds us that before the fame, there was a simple love between two teenagers who dreamed about life together. It also shows how life can take unexpected turns, yet still leave beautiful memories behind.

James Westley Welch may not have been a star, but he became an important part of a Hollywood legend’s story. His quiet strength, his kindness, and his early role in Raquel’s life make him someone worth remembering.

(FAQs)

Is James Westley Welch still alive?

No. James Westley Welch passed away on November 23, 2019, at the age of 82. Many people still think he might be alive because he lived a very private life, but he is no longer living.

What was James Westley Welch’s age and birthday?

James Westley Welch was born in 1940 in San Diego, California. He was 82 years old at the time of his death in 2019. His name continues to appear in searches even today because of his long connection to Raquel Welch.

What professions did James Westley Welch have?

His career path was surprisingly wide. He worked as a tuna fisherman, a publicist, an agent, and later became a successful real estate developer. Many people are shocked to learn he built a strong business life far away from Hollywood.

What was James Westley Welch’s net worth?

At the peak of his business success, James Westley Welch had an estimated net worth of around $40 million. This shocks many readers because he never lived in the spotlight or showed any desire for fame.

What is James Westley Welch’s life like today in 2026?

James Westley Welch is not alive in 2026. But his story still lives on through his children, through Raquel Welch’s memories, and through the famous last name he gave her. His quiet legacy continues to be a part of Hollywood history.

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