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

James Westley Welch may not be a household name, but his story is deeply connected to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars — Raquel Welch. Before she became famous for her beauty and acting, she was just a teenage girl in love with a quiet boy named James. He was her first love, her high school sweetheart, and the man she would later call her “Prince Charming.”

In this article, we’ll explore the true story of James Westley Welch, known to many as Raquel Welch’s ex-husband. We’ll take a look at his life before and after fame, their beautiful but challenging love story, and why Raquel never forgot him, even after decades apart. Let’s begin with who he really was.

James Westley Welch Quick Bio

Who Was James Westley Welch?

James Westley Welch, also known as Jim, was born on January 29, 1937, in Pike County, Missouri, USA. He grew up in a quiet, hard-working family and lived a life far from the Hollywood spotlight. Most people know him as Raquel Welch’s first husband, but there’s more to his story than that.

James had a calm personality, green eyes, and dark hair. He wasn’t a movie star or a singer. But he made a strong impression on Raquel from the very first day they met. While she became world-famous, James chose to live a private life, building a successful career away from the cameras.

He later became a real estate developer, and although he had success in business, he stayed out of the media and focused on his family and work. His story reminds us that not everyone wants fame — some people just want a quiet, meaningful life.

How James Westley Welch Met Raquel Welch

Their love story began in high school. James and Raquel met when they were just 15 years old in their American government class at La Jolla High School in San Diego, California. Raquel later wrote in her memoir that the moment she saw James, she felt like she was meant to be with him forever.

James had something that many boys didn’t have back then — a car. For Raquel, riding with him to school felt like a dream. He played football, and she was a cheerleader. Even though they didn’t have much in common, they felt a special connection. Their favorite song was “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke, and they would often sing along to it during long drives.

They went to dances, shared milkshakes, and had fun like many young couples do. Their love was simple and sweet — just two teenagers dreaming about the future. But as time passed, they faced challenges that would test their relationship.

Young Love Turned Into Marriage

In his final year of high school, James made a big decision. He dropped out and left to work on a tuna boat in Peru. Raquel was heartbroken. Her father was glad James left and even said, “Good riddance.” But Raquel never stopped thinking about him.

They stayed in touch through letters, and James’s mother, Tahnee Land, helped keep the connection alive. When James returned, tanned and strong, Raquel made another big decision — she dropped out of college to marry him. At just 19 years old, she ran away to Las Vegas, and the two were married on May 8, 1959.

It wasn’t a big Hollywood wedding. There were no fancy dresses or cameras. Just two young people in love, starting a new life together. Her father was angry, but Raquel didn’t care. She was following her heart — and that heart belonged to James Westley Welch.

Life as Young Parents

Not long after their wedding, the couple became parents. Their first child, Damon Welch, was born on November 6, 1959. A few years later, their daughter Latanne “Tahnee” Welch was born on December 26, 1961. Raquel even named her daughter after James’s mother, which showed how close she felt to his family.

They lived in a small apartment in Pacific Beach, and life wasn’t always easy. James worked hard to support the family, and Raquel took small modeling and weather girl jobs. She also took care of the home and their two young children.

Even though they were young, they were trying their best. But as time passed, their dreams began to change. Raquel wanted to chase a career in acting, while James preferred a quiet, simple life. This difference would lead them to a difficult decision.

James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch’s Divorce

Raquel had big dreams — she wanted to act, to be in movies, to make something of herself. But James wasn’t ready for that kind of life. The pressure of fame and the stress of being young parents began to wear down their marriage.

In 1962, Raquel made the choice to leave. She packed up her kids and moved to Los Angeles to follow her dreams. Two years later, in 1964, their divorce was finalized. It was painful for both of them. Raquel would later say that leaving James was the hardest and most painful decision of her life.

Even after their marriage ended, Raquel kept his last name, Welch, and made it famous around the world. But behind the scenes, the love she had for James never truly disappeared.

Why Raquel Welch Always Remembered James

In her 2010 memoir, Beyond the Cleavage, Raquel Welch opened up about her feelings for James. She called him her first true love. She said he was the man she always remembered, the one she secretly compared all other partners to.

She wrote: “Jim would be my first true love, with all that it implies. He’d be the unforgettable, always-present love, against whom all others would be judged.”

Even after marrying three more times, Raquel admitted that James Westley Welch was different. He wasn’t just her ex-husband — he was the man who helped shape her life, her heart, and her journey to stardom.

What Happened to James Westley Welch After the Divorce?

After the divorce in 1964, James Westley Welch quietly stepped away from the spotlight. While Raquel Welch’s career was just starting to take off in Hollywood, James chose a different path. He didn’t want fame. He wanted peace, privacy, and a normal life.

He later remarried a woman named Jean, and together they had a son. This new chapter of his life was much quieter than his first. He never gave interviews or tried to stay in the news. He lived like any other working man — focused on family and work, away from the cameras and gossip.

Even though he wasn’t in the public eye, people never forgot him. After all, he was Raquel Welch’s ex-husband and the man who once held her heart.

James Westley Welch’s Career and Success

James didn’t rely on Raquel’s fame. He worked hard to build something on his own. After spending some time as a publicist and agent, he moved into the real estate world. This was where he truly found success.

He became a real estate developer, working on projects that brought him quiet wealth and stability. Over the years, his smart choices and strong work ethic helped him build a fortune. At his peak, his net worth was estimated to be around $40 million.

But even with money, James stayed simple. He didn’t chase luxury or attention. He focused on building a life that was solid — not flashy.

Reunion with Raquel Welch After 15 Years

In 1977, something special happened. After 15 years apart, James Westley Welch reached out to Raquel. He wanted to reconnect — not as a couple, but as parents. Their children, Damon and Tahnee, were growing up, and he wanted to see them.

Raquel agreed to meet. Their reunion was quiet and respectful. They didn’t bring up the past too much. Instead, they talked about their children — their futures, their dreams, and how they could support them.

Raquel was glad to see James doing well. He had grown into a successful man, just in his own way. That meeting gave both of them a sense of closure, and a chance to move forward with kindness.

James Westley Welch’s Final Years and Passing

James spent his later years the way he liked — calm and private. He stayed close to family and continued his work quietly. There were no Hollywood headlines, no drama. Just peace.

On November 23, 2019, James passed away at the age of 82. His cause of death was natural. He left behind his children, grandchildren, and a life that, though not famous, was full of meaning.

Even though he was no longer married to Raquel Welch, their bond was never truly broken. She continued to carry his name and spoke about him with love until her own death.

James Westley Welch’s Legacy Through His Children

James Westley Welch’s biggest legacy lives on through his children. His son, Damon Welch, became a writer, director, and actor. He studied at Boston University and worked on projects like Raquel: Total Beauty and Fitness and I Am Raquel Welch (2025).

His daughter, Tahnee Welch, followed in her mother’s footsteps. She became an actress and model, known for roles in Cocoon, Search and Destroy, and I Shot Andy Warhol. She had beauty and talent — a mix of both her parents.

Through them, James is still part of the world of film and entertainment, even after his passing.

How Raquel Welch Kept His Name Until Her Death

Even though Raquel Welch married three more times, she never changed her last name. She was born Jo Raquel Tejada, but the name “Welch” stayed with her until the end.

This small detail says a lot. It shows how much James Westley Welch meant to her. He wasn’t just her first husband — he was the one who helped her become the woman the world would come to admire.

Raquel passed away on February 15, 2023, at the age of 82, after a short illness. And when people remember her name, they’re also remembering the man who once meant everything to her.

Final Thoughts

James Westley Welch lived a life very different from Raquel’s, but his story is just as powerful. He was there when her journey began — a quiet, kind man who loved her deeply. Their love didn’t last forever, but it shaped both of their lives in ways that never faded.

To the world, he was Raquel Welch’s ex-husband. But to her, he was much more. He was her first love, her real-life Prince Charming, and the one man she always held close in her heart.

In the end, his life shows us that you don’t have to be a celebrity to leave a mark. James Westley Welch left his mark through love, family, and quiet success — and that’s a story worth telling.