March 18, 1964 — Jan. 19, 2018

James “Jimmy” Welsh II, 53, of Dowagiac, passed away Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, at his home in Kalamazoo.

A Celebration of Life service will be at noon Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac with Father Richard Altine officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Those wishing to share a memory of Jimmy online may do so at clarkch.com.

Jimmy was born on March 18, 1964, to James and Donna (Berndt) Welsh, in Dowagiac. He graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1982.

After graduation, Jimmy went to work at Ameriwood for nearly 20 years. After Ameriwood he became a Caregiver at Homelife in Kalamazoo for over 17 years.

Jimmy was an avid sports fan. A lifelong Notre Dame fan, and there was no season like the football season for Jimmy.

He never faltered in his game day preparation. Jimmy was known as a being well-read. He loved reading, especially history, politics and sports.

Jimmy could carry a conversation on any topic. Most of all he loved his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Donna; sisters, Debbie (Rodger) Smith of Cassopolis and Colleen (Jim) Edwards of Kalamazoo; grandmother, Evelyn Berndt of Baroda; and nephew Matthew Smith.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, James Walter Welsh.