James Michael "Mike" Welch, 81, passed away peacefully in his home. Mike was born on January 26, 1945. He attended U.C. Santa Barbara. After a year in college, he went on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to Uruguay for two years. After his mission, he went back to U.C. Santa Barbara and completed his bachelor's degree. After graduating, he went to Pensacola for Naval Flight Training. He was a Lieutenant in the navy. He was a Vietnam helicopter pilot with the Navy Seawolves Squadron. After serving in the military, he met his wife, Kathy. They had five children and sixteen grandchildren. Mike will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering integrity and love for his family. Mike will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery.