James Richard Welden

August 20, 1942 - December 11, 2021

James Welden, age 79, passed away on December 11, 2021 in Bellingham. Jim was born August 20, 1942 in Seattle, Washington to Jim and Julie Welden. He attended John B. Allen Elementary School and Lincoln High School where he was an active member of the scull boat crew rowing team. After graduating high school, he served in the United States Navy on the USS Lynde McCormick DDG-8, a guided missile destroyer and escort for the USS Kittyhawk aircraft carrier. He served from 1960-1963, sailing in the Atlantic, Pacific and North China Sea. Jim graduated Seattle University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and education. He married Leslie Butler in 1966 and soon thereafter, they moved to Bellingham, Washington. In May they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Jim worked for Sehome High school, teaching business education and various sports. He was instrumental in starting the Ski Club. After 36 years of teaching, he retired in 2006. He was a very active member of the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce. For over 30 years, he served as the Chairman of the downhill skiing leg for the Ski to Sea Race. He was passionate about many outdoor activities. He worked closely with the Bellingham Parks Department on the creation of the Interurban Trail and Galbraith Mountain trails. Jim was an avid runner and bike rider. He volunteered for many decades as a member of the Mt. Baker Ski Patrol. He and his family spent may days and weeks boating and sailing in Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. Jim is survived by his wife Leslie Welden, sons JR (Troy Skott-Pope) Welden and John (Kathy Rice) Welden, siblings Dan (Patty) Welden and Marsha (Marty) McGowan, brother-in law Dean Butler, and 2 grandchildren, Travis Welden-Pope and Eloise Welden A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Mt. Baker Ski Patrol: c/o Krister Fast, 4865 Nettle Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226, Payable to: Mt Baker Ski Patrol. You may share memories at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.