NEWPORT - Mr. James H. Welch, age 78, passed away on Friday evening, October 11, 2013 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home in Utica, NY where he received exceptional loving care from the doctors, nurses and staff. Hospice and palliative care were also wonderful during this very difficult time. At the time of his passing Jim was in the presence of his daughters. For the past five years Jim had resided on Route 28 in Newport. He was born on February 2, 1935 in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Harold and Gladys (Moran) Welch and attended St. Francis de Sales School. At the conclusion of his schooling, Jim went on to enlist in the United States Air Force where he had proudly served our country during the Korean War era. For over 25 years Jim worked with Wonder Bread in Utica as a shipping foreman. He concluded his working career with Granny's Kitchen in West Frankfort, NY where he enjoyed working as a machinist and a baker. Jim loved our area here in central New York and was often known to be frequenting local car shows, and he loved animals and nature. Jim and the former Irene LePage were united in marriage on August 15, 1967. Together they raised their family, and survivors include children: Bonita Magyar and her husband Andrew of Floyd, NY, Kristine Massocco and her husband Brian of Middleville, Tamie White and her fiancée Stefano Nivaggi of Utica, and Michael Welch and his wife Karen of Georgia; one sister Charlotte Bauer of Utica; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Irene who died in 1979, a sister Sharon Welch and most recently a brother Jack Welch. Jim's family has selected a beautiful burial site at Plot 80 in the Veteran's section of Forest Hill Cemetery on Oneida Street in Utica. It is near a pond which he would have just loved. He will be buried with his wife Irene. Family and friends are invited to attend graveside funeral services, which will be conducted on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Forest Hill Cemetery. Full military rites will be accorded with detail offered by the United States Air Force. It is the wish of the family that donations in his memory be considered to the Stevens - Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio Street, Utica, NY 13502. The funeral and burial arrangements are under the direction of the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY 13357, Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Director. To leave an online note of sympathy, please visit www.eneafamily.com.