James (Jimmy) Edward Welker, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully at home 30 August 2022. He was born 06 December 1938 in Murray, Utah. His parents were Lloyd Emmanuel Welker and Helen Briscoe Thomson. His family moved to Thatcher, Idaho where he was raised and attended elementary school. He also attended Grace High School.

He met his beautiful bride, Karen S. Muir, at a homecoming dance. They danced together the rest of their lives. They were sealed in the Logan Utah Temple 12 September 1958. They truly lived happily ever after. They were blessed with four children; James Glen, Teresa Lee, Mark Edward, and Judy Ann. They raised their family in Soda Springs.

Jim was a hard worker all his life. He served in the National Guard. He loved serving others and was able to use that love when he started working in the tire business. In 1965 he worked at Hale and Norcross (the old Goodyear Tire shop). He opened Jim's Tire Service in 1978 in Grace, Idaho, his dream for many years. He ran the tire store until 1995. His family members enjoyed gathering at the tire store. Many fond memories were made there. After the tire store he went to work at the Caribou County Courthouse as maintenance engineer.

His passion was creating beautiful paintings and wood working. He continued to provide loving service for his customers at Jim's Cabinet Shop and for his family.  His family members' homes are full of the treasures he created.

Jim was a faithful and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings throughout his life. Some were as Elders Quorum president, ward clerk for four bishops, and as a counselor in the bishopric. He and Karen served as dance directors for the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976. They also had the opportunity to serve as temple ordinance workers in the Logan Utah temple baptistry.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife Karen, one brother Brent Rigby, his children James Glen (Luana), Teresa Lee, Mark Edward (Jolene), Judy Ann (Jeffery), 17 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Virgil Warren Garner, Margaret Georgina Glover, Charlene Helen Skordas, Lloyd Ray Welker, Deloris Kay Larsen, Melba Ruth Welker, Myron Bob Welker and one great-great grandchild.

Services will be held Tuesday, 06 September at 11:00 am at the Bailey Creek church at 361 S. 3 ^rd E. in Soda Springs. There will be a viewing Monday, 05 September from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sims Funeral Home in Soda Springs, and from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church prior to the service. Interment will be at the Chesterfield Cemetery.  He will be buried with Military Honors.

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