August 9, 1934 – January 16, 2026
James Lee Welton, loving husband, father, and friend, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born on August 9, 1934, in Oakland, Iowa, Jim spent his life focused on serving God through his faith in Jesus Christ, caring for his family and participating in his community. He was a living example of integrity, discipline, respect, kindness, and love. His word was his bond.
His family never doubted his love and faithfulness.
Jim had always said he was in school for 56 years of his life, beginning with 13 years as a student in the Estherville, Iowa, public school system, four more years at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, followed by three years of teaching and coaching in Elmore, Minnesota, one year getting his master’s degree at South Dakota State University, and seven years teaching and coaching at Northwestern College. In 1967, Jim and family moved to Algona where he was an elementary physical education teacher and a football and track coach in the Algona Community School District for 28 years.
Outside of coaching, Jim was an avid golfer. After retiring from teaching, Jim and several other retired teachers formed a regular weekly golf group, Thursday’s Friends, where they played a variety of courses all over northern Iowa.
Jim was a diehard Iowa Hawkeyes fan and especially enjoyed watching the football and basketball teams as well as listening to games on the radio.
As a devoted follower of Christ, Jim was a member of the Algona Evangelical Free Church (now New Hope Church) in Algona since its founding in 1986. He served as an elder and in other leadership roles for the church. Before helping start the E-Free church, Jim and family attended the First Presbyterian Church in Algona, where he also served in various leadership roles. His church family gave him much joy and support.
Jim and Marilyn grew up together in Estherville as both of their families attended the same church. They started dating in high school and their romance continued for more than seven decades (they were married for 71 years).
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Dorothy (Pierson) Welton, in-laws Lloyd and Mary (Fowler) Johnson, daughter Marsha (Welton) Staffa, and brother-in-law Lloyd Bach.
He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 71 years, and his children: Nancy Pierce of Leawood, Kan., Linda Silva of Omaha, Neb., and Michael Welton of Algona, Iowa; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and ten nieces and nephews.
Other surviving family members include his sister Marilyn (Welton) Beaver and family, sister-in-law Mildred (Johnson) Bach and family and sister-in-law Ann (Fowler) Wolverton and family.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on May 2 at Algona Evangelical Free Church in Algona. Visitation will be May 1st from 5-7 p.m. and May 2nd from 10 to 11 a.m. both at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Algona Meals on
Wheels.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
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