James Edward Welling II

James “Jimmy” Edward Welling II was born on June 5, 1979 in South Bend, IN to the late James Edward and Martha Ketchum Welling.  He left us way too soon on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.  He was 43 years old. 

Jimmy grew up in South Bend and graduated from Riley High School in 1997.  He never was much for sports but enjoyed playing tuba and sousaphone in the marching band and performed at Disney World twice.  Speaking of Disney World, it was a favorite vacation spot that, in his short time with us, he managed to visit over 20 times. 

Jimmy worked for Meijer on Portage Road for nearly 28 years.  Most of that time was in the produce department.  He found a new calling in 2022 and went to work for Martin's on South Bend Avenue in the seafood department.  His time there was cut short due to health issues but he was determined to go back when he got better. 

Along with his twin brother Paul, Jimmy was Raised a Master Mason in October of 1999 at Lakeville Lodge No. 353, F&AM and quickly climbed the ranks and was Master in 2004. He was a 32° Scottish Rite Mason and was also a member of the York Rite Bodies. He was a Yeoman of York and was awarded the K.Y.C.H; an award he was very proud of.  In 2000, Jimmy and Paul became Shriners and wore the Fez just as our father and grandfathers had proudly worn.  At the time of his passing, Jim was Worthy Patron of St. Joseph Chapter No. 569, OES; an office that he had proudly served in many times. 

In addition to his twin brother Paul Welling, Jimmy is survived by his wife, Rosemarie (Rosie) Walz Welling, who he married on August 28, 2004.  Also surviving are his sister, Anne Stephens and her husband Robert, sister-in-law Jessica Winnicki, and brother-in-law Mike Walz.  Jimmy was especially fond of his nieces and nephew, and was like a bonus daddy to Anne's children, Jonathan and Martha Alsip.  Emma came along in 2019 and the uncle bug started all over. He is also survived by his bonus nephew, Noah Stephens and bonus nieces, Alexia and Alyssa Clements.

Jimmy made friends wherever he went and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. 

Visitation will be held 4pm-8pm Monday, April 24, 2023 with a Masonic Service at 7:30pm at Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635.An Eastern Star Service will be held Tuesday, April 25 at 11am at the funeral home. Friends and family may visit with the family beginning at 10am. Donations in Jimmy’s memory can be made to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Chicago.

Online condolences may be left for the Welling family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.