James "Jim" Joseph Welk passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025 while surrounded by family. He was 68 years old. Jim was the beloved husband of Cathi (nee Glass) Welk for 43 years; loving father of Missy Vanarsdale and her husband Jeremy; proud grandfather of Katie, Jimmy and Joey Vanarsdale; cherished son of the late Helen and Walter Welk, Jr.; devoted brother of Phyllis Spring, Sharon Nicholson, Shelby Thompson, the late Peggy Benedict and the late Walter Welk, III; dear son in law of the late Dolores and George Glass, III; cherished brother in law of Chuck Glass and his wife Imee and the late Georgeann Johnson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Jim was a "work hard, play hard", kinda guy. He was mechanically inclined and a self starter learning a trade in construction spanning 30+ years, retiring as a Construction Supervisor. He loved fast cars and motorcycles at a young age, and you would often find him weekends at a racetrack or attending indoor motorcycle races.  He had a passion for motorcycles and speed.

He married his best friend, sidekick and love of his life, Cathi in 1981.  His fun spirit and sense of adventure would take them on many journeys, whether that be taking road trips on their Harleys, riding in various charity runs, or attending Bike Weeks in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Gettysburg and Ocean City, or cruising the high seas with their fellow bikers.

They let the good times roll in New Orleans, but some of their fondest and more memorable travels were taken with their close friends to different destinations.

Jim had a way of meeting and drawing people to him, through his sense of fun, "I don't care" attitude and merry mischief. Jim's circle of friends got larger with each new adventure.

As much as he loved traveling, he also loved being at home. He spent many hours doing home improvements, tending to his garden, working in the garage on some project or another, cooking on his blackstone, or watching his favorite game show, "The Price is Right" or NASCAR!

Jim's only child, Missy, blessed him with three grandchildren, making him a "Poppy".  He loved spending time with them and they were his pride and joy.  Whether, it was taking them for rides on the tractor, ATV,  picking apples via the tractor bucket or ride his scooter, they always found things to do together.

Jim had many health challenges in his later years, but his stubbornness and optimistic attitude, served him well, even until the very end.

Everyone leaves memories and footprints behind.   Jim left many footprints.

Work hard, but have fun along the way.

Don't take yourself too seriously, but make sure to take care of the important things and people in life.

Make friends, wherever you go, because friends become family.

Laugh a lot, cry a little, remembering to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Wherever your journeys take you, the road will have many twists and turns, just enjoy the ride.

The family will receive friends at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A., 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Saturday, March 29 from 12-1 PM with a memorial service officiated by Pastor Rick Metzger to begin at 1 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please remember Jim with memorial contributions to the Kaufman Cancer Center at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, 500 Upper Chesapeake Drive, Bel Air, Maryland 21014.

Please share condolences with the family by signing his guestbook.