James "Jay J." E. Welch, Jr.

James E. "Jay J." Welch, Jr., age 30 of Jefferson City, passed away Monday, May 19, 2014, at University Hospital in Columbia. He was born September 13, 1983, in St. Louis, a son of James E., Sr., and Gabrielle Howard Welch. His father, Jim Welch and his mother, Gabrielle Gengler, survive in Jefferson City. He was a self-employed handy man until his health failed him. He enjoyed camping, fishing, listening to music, going with his dad to Nascar races in Texas, playing board games with his family, but most of all being with Twister, his cat. Jay J. is also survived by his wife, Erin Ridings of Jefferson City; two sons, Zayn and Atlas Welch, one sister, Peggy Gates and husband Brian and their children, Jasmine and Blake of Cairo; one brother, Walker Gengler of Jefferson City; along with aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. A Celebration of Jay J.'s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 23, at Capital West Christian Church on Fairgrounds Road in Jefferson City with Rev. Rick Yoder officiating.

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