In Memory
James Kenton Welling
August 20, 1946 ~ June 3, 2023 76 Years Old
Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, James “Jim” Kenton Welling, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2023, following a brave battle with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). In his final weeks, he was surrounded by family and friends.
Jim was born on August 20, 1946, in South Bend, IN, to Arthur and Julia Ballard Welling. He grew up in southeast South Bend and was the oldest of five siblings. Many of Jim’s fondest memories growing up were of summers spent on his grandad’s farm outside of Neosho Falls, Kansas. There, he learned about hard work, good humor, and honest living from his grandparents and relished the freedom of farm life with his cousins, sisters, and brothers.
Jim graduated from Riley High School in 1964 and attended Indiana University. One summer, while employed in Yosemite National Park, he developed a passion for photography and the visual arts that lasted a lifetime. In 1967, Jim enlisted in the United States Army, and after stateside training, he supported the mission of a helicopter battalion stationed in Chu Lai, Vietnam during the Tet offensive. This experience catalyzed deep reflection and a commitment to living life with purpose. Upon his return from service in 1970, he earned undergraduate and masters degrees in Elementary Education and a doctorate in School Administration with a minor in Educational Psychology.
Jim and Judith Ellen Voynovich were married on June 6, 1970, at First Baptist church in South Bend and remained so for nearly 53 years.
Jim served as a lifelong educator in both South Bend and Penn-Harris Madison School (PHM) Corporations. Through his work, Jim impacted tens of thousands of teachers, students, and families and believed that every child could find success in life. He especially appreciated the important role that teachers played in enriching the lives of young people. In 1985, he was promoted to director of staff development and then executive director for instruction for the PHM School Corporation. During this time, Jim was recognized by the National Association for Curriculum and Development as one of the great thought leaders in American education. In 1989, Jim and colleagues received the State of Indiana’s prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor Evan Bayh for his contributions to elevating the education of middle school students. He also enjoyed his role as adjunct graduate professor at Indiana University South Bend and St. Mary’s College and later became an educational consultant. After retiring from public schools, Jim enjoyed other pursuits like developing and opening several restaurants and exploring family genealogy.
Jim loved using humor to connect with a multitude of friends from all walks of life, and his greatest joy is his family. He is survived by his wife Judith Voynovich; his two daughters and their spouses: Judith “JJ” (Anjon Roy) Welling and Jamey (Colin) Harding; his seven grandchildren: Bennett, Kenton, Kiran, Asher, Aiden, Preston, and Georgette; his siblings: Janene (Robert) Edwards, Carol (David) Stuart, Dale (Beth) Welling, and his best friend and brother William (Julie) Welling.
The family will welcome visitors at Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel (3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614) on Sunday, June 11 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Online condolences may be offered at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
Please consider a donation on Jim’s behalf to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation 5526 W 13400 South #510, Herriman, UT 84096.
06.09.2023 djb
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