James Michael Welge Sr., 68, of Taylorville passed away at 8:03 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in his home surrounded by his family. Mike was born on November 1, 1948 in Taylorville, the son of Ray Yulette and Marcella Marie (Hogarth) Welge. He married Judith Ellen Stayner on March 4, 1969 in Taylorville. Mike retired from the Department of Corrections after 22 years working as a maintenance equipment operator and was a member of AFSCME and Teamsters Local 279. Prior to that he worked for many years at Peabody Mine #10. Mike served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Taylorville for 25 years. He was an Army veteran and a past commander of American Legion Post 73. He was a fan of tractors, and has collected many over the years. He was a member of the Taylorville FFA Alumni Association, the American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville and Moose Lodge 1516. He was a member of the Taylorville Rifle and Pistol Club and a lifetime member of the NRA. Mike enjoyed riding his Harley and was a member of ABATE. He was also a huge NASCAR fan and enjoyed the time he spent camping with his family.

Mike is survived by his wife: Judy Welge of Taylorville; son: James Michael Welge Jr. of Taylorville; grandson: Eric Russell Welge; brother: Mark Welge (Cheryl) of Irving. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Ray Y Welge Jr., Ada P. Hall, and Gerald L. Welge.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Taylorville with Monsignor David Lantz officiating. Burial with veteran’s honors will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 until 7 p.m. at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Mike, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com