James Welty

James W. "Jimmy" Welty, 82, of Scott City died of COVID-19 Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 7, 1939, in Neelys Landing to James A. and Ruby D. Masterson Welty. He and Marilyn G. Papenberg were married Aug. 15, 1957. Two daughters were born to their union, Elizabeth and Theresa. Jim and Marilyn had been married 57 years, when Marilyn passed away Feb. 23, 2013.

Jimmy was raised in Egypt Mills. He attended College High School in Cape Girardeau.

During his 63 years as a professional truck driver, Jimmy made many lifelong friends. He was a hard-working man who believed a man was as good as his word and you sealed a deal with a handshake.

He enjoyed a good home-cooked meal, motorcycles, horses and sitting around a table in a truck stop, drinking coffee and telling trucking stories. His greatest passion was trucks, and those who knew him best remember he was one of the best truckers around (and a darn good diesel mechanic too).

In 2013, he was confirmed into the Holy Catholic Church in Anna, Illinois. He was a member of St. Joseph's Parish in Scott City.

Loving survivors include two daughters, Elizabeth (Darue) Mandeville of Jonesboro, Illinois, and Theresa Welty-Cookson (Brian Cookson) of Marble Hill, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a sister, Joy Alexander; and a half brother, Glen Welty.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 8 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Old Illmo.

McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau was entrusted with Jimmy's final arrangements.

To share an online condolence with the family, visit www.mccombsfuneralhome.com, navigate to Jim's personal obituary page, and click on the tribute wall tab.