James Westley Welch may not be a household name, but his story is deeply woven into the early life of Hollywood legend Raquel Welch. As her first husband and first great love, James played a pivotal role in shaping Raquel’s journey long before the world came to know her as a glamorous icon. Their romance, which began in high school, was filled with youthful passion, heartbreak, and life-changing decisions that would leave a lasting emotional imprint on them both.
While Raquel rose to international stardom, James remained largely out of the spotlight. Yet his quiet presence loomed large in her life—often remembered by Raquel as the man against whom all others were measured. Their relationship may have ended decades ago, but its emotional echoes lingered throughout Raquel Welch’s life and career.
In this in-depth look, we explore the full story of James Westley Welch—from his early years and teenage romance with Raquel to their marriage, family life, divorce, and eventual reunion. This is a heartfelt and factual journey into the life of the man who captured Raquel Welch’s heart long before the red carpets and flashing lights.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: James Westley Welch
Known As: Jim Welch
Birthplace: United States (specific details not widely public)
Profession: Businessman
Famous For: Being the first husband of actress Raquel Welch
High School: La Jolla High School
Notable Traits: Green eyes, dark hair, quiet personality
Relationship with Raquel Welch: High school sweetheart, first husband
Marriage Date: 1959 (Las Vegas elopement)
Divorce Date: 1964
Children: Damon Welch (son), Tahnee Welch (daughter)
Daughter’s Birth Date: December 26, 1961
Raquel’s Description of Him: “First true love,” “Prince Charming,” “Unforgettable”
Career Path: Became president of a multi-million-dollar company in the 1970s
Post-Divorce Contact: Reconnected in 1977 after 15 years
Public Presence: Maintained a private life
Legacy: Remembered through Raquel’s writings and life story
Emotional Influence: The man Raquel compared all others to
Current Status: Details not widely available
Media Mentions: Frequently referenced in Raquel Welch’s memoir and interviews
Early Life Of James Westley Welch
James Westley Welch, known simply as Jim to those closest to him, was raised in California during the post-war years. He was a quiet, dark-haired teenager with striking green eyes and a love for the ocean. Jim attended La Jolla High School, where he stood out—not for his academics, but for his independent spirit and charm.
As the stepson of Fred Meads, founder of the FedMart Corporation, Jim came from a family that had means. This gave him certain freedoms, like owning a car while still in high school—an uncommon luxury at the time. That car, it turns out, would become part of his daily ritual with the girl who would change his life: Raquel Tejada.
How James Westley Welch And Raquel Welch First Met
Their story began in the most ordinary of places: an American government class. Raquel Welch, then a teenager named Jo Raquel Tejada, was instantly captivated by the handsome boy seated across the room. At just 15 years old, she already felt a sense of destiny. In her memoir, Beyond the Cleavage, Raquel recalled that from the moment she saw Jim, she imagined having his children one day.
Jim was quiet and unassuming, but something about him pulled Raquel in. Their connection was immediate and magnetic. Though they were very different—Raquel being ambitious and expressive, and Jim more reserved—they became close and started dating during high school.
A Teenage Romance That Defined Their Early Years
Jim and Raquel’s teenage relationship played out like a 1950s love story. He would drive her to school in the mornings. After football games, they’d head out for burgers and shakes. Their go-to song was “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke, a track that seemed to echo their feelings.
Despite their differences, they had undeniable chemistry, especially when they danced. They shared slow songs, whispered dreams, and navigated the highs and lows of young love. Yet beneath the surface, they didn’t share many common goals. While Raquel was an honors student with dreams of the stage, Jim seemed more drawn to freedom and adventure than to structure and ambition.
Jim’s Free Spirit And Sudden Departure
Jim’s detachment from school became more pronounced during his senior year. He shocked everyone by dropping out altogether and heading to sea—literally. He joined a tuna fishing crew bound for Peru, a decision that devastated Raquel. Her father, however, was relieved and even said, “Good riddance.”
During his time away, he wrote to Raquel, and his mother, Tahnee Land, kept in contact with her as well. When Jim returned a few months later, tanned and in peak physical shape, Raquel’s feelings reignited. Though she was enrolled at San Diego State College on a theater arts scholarship, she made a bold decision that would change her life.
Reuniting And Marrying In Las Vegas
Jim and Raquel eloped to Las Vegas in 1959. She left college, despite her academic achievements, to marry the man she still believed was her one true love. Jim’s mother approved of the union, but Raquel’s own mother was hesitant, and her father was furious.
The newlyweds moved into a modest apartment in Pacific Beach. Raquel balanced her work as a weather girl with housework and modeling gigs, while Jim tried to find his footing. The romance that had once felt so thrilling now had to survive the daily pressures of adult responsibilities.
Welcoming Damon And Tahnee Welch
Within months of marrying, Raquel became pregnant with their first child, Damon Welch. As she worked to support the family and maintain their home, tensions began to rise. Jim reportedly struggled with Raquel’s growing career ambitions and rising visibility.
Despite the stress, they reconnected briefly and had a second child, daughter Tahnee Welch, born on December 26, 1961. Tahnee was named after Jim’s mother. Though Raquel was committed to being a good mother, she was also aware that their household was becoming increasingly strained.
Why Their Marriage Began To Fall Apart
The emotional distance between Raquel and Jim grew steadily. Jim’s discomfort with Raquel’s rising career clashed with her need to grow and support their family. Raquel, a child of divorce herself, recognized the signs of an unhappy marriage and didn’t want her children to endure the same emotional confusion she had known.
Feeling stifled, Raquel made the bold choice to leave. She took Damon and Tahnee and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. Her departure wasn’t just a geographic one—it was an emotional and personal turning point.
Their Divorce And New Life Chapters
Raquel and James Westley Welch finalized their divorce in 1964. By that time, she had started to carve out a space in the entertainment industry. She would go on to become an international sex symbol and leading lady, while Jim stayed out of the spotlight.
In the years following their split, Jim became successful in business. By 1973, he had become president of a multimillion-dollar conglomerate. In a rare admission, he later said that he had been “a bastard to Raquel a lot of the time,” but he also believed their relationship had beautiful moments, calling it “idyllic at times.”
Reuniting After Fifteen Years
For 15 years after their divorce, James Westley Welch and Raquel had no contact. But in 1977, Jim reached out. He wanted to reconnect with his children. Raquel agreed, and they met again—this time as parents, not as former lovers.
Their conversation, by all accounts, was focused, respectful, and centered around the kids. They didn’t dwell on the past, nor did they try to rekindle anything. Instead, they acknowledged the life they had shared and the paths they had chosen.
Raquel’s Lasting Feelings For James
Even after years of separation, Raquel Welch held deep feelings for her first husband. In her memoir, she wrote, “Jim would be my first true love, with all that it implies.” She also confessed that he remained the man against whom all others would be judged.
This emotional imprint reveals just how significant Jim had been in her life—not just as a husband or co-parent, but as someone who defined the way she viewed love and intimacy.
A Love Story That Left A Mark
The relationship between James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch may have ended in divorce, but it was not a failed relationship—it was a formative one. Their teenage bond, impulsive marriage, and ultimate parting are all part of a much larger story of growth, identity, and love that evolves with time.
While Raquel went on to marry three more times, none of those relationships matched the deep emotional resonance she described with Jim. His influence, even from afar, remained present throughout her life.
Jim’s Life Outside The Spotlight
Unlike Raquel, James never sought public attention. He built a career in the business world and avoided interviews or media drama. His legacy, for many, exists primarily through the lens of Raquel’s recollections. But that, in itself, is meaningful—he shaped one of the most iconic women in film during her formative years.
A Quiet Man Remembered For His Role In A Star’s Life
Jim’s personality—quiet, thoughtful, and free-spirited—left a contrast to Raquel’s fierce, driven nature. Yet the pairing made sense in youth, and it left both of them changed. Though Raquel would become a household name, she always carried a quiet reverence for the man who first held her heart.
The Enduring Power Of First Love
First loves have a way of staying with us. For Raquel, James Westley Welch represented possibility, emotion, and youthful connection. Even as she dazzled on screen, she remembered Jim as the man she once believed she would love forever.
Final Thoughts
James Westley Welch may never have walked a red carpet, but his life was far from ordinary. His love story with Raquel Welch offers a deeply human glimpse into the complexity of relationships—especially those formed young and shaped by time. He was a man of mystery, of independence, and of quiet strength, and his role in Raquel’s life remains unforgettable. Their story is a reminder that some connections, even if brief, leave a permanent mark on the heart.
FAQs About James Westley Welch
Who Was James Westley Welch?
James Westley Welch was the first husband of actress Raquel Welch. He was her high school sweetheart and the father of her two children.
How Did James And Raquel Meet?
They met as teenagers at La Jolla High School in California. Their romance began in an American government class and blossomed from there.
When Did They Get Married And Divorced?
They eloped in Las Vegas in 1959 and finalized their divorce in 1964.
Did They Have Children Together?
Yes, they had two children: Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch.
Why Did Their Marriage End?
Their marriage struggled due to personal differences, Raquel’s rising fame, and emotional disconnect. Raquel eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career.
Did James Stay In Touch With His Children?
He was absent for about 15 years but reconnected with Raquel and the children in 1977.
How Did Raquel Feel About Him Later In Life?
Raquel described Jim as her first true love and the man against whom all others would be judged, indicating he held a permanent place in her heart.
What Did James Do After Their Divorce?
He built a successful business career and largely stayed out of the public eye.
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