The TWHBEA flag is lowered today in memory of Jim Welch, who passed away on July 30, 2022 at the age of 82. Mr. Welch served as President of TWHBEA in 2000 and 2001. During his tenure the association complete construction of a 7,500 square foot meeting facility and broke ground on the Commemorative Garden. The Tennessee Walking Horse was officially designated as the state horse of Tennessee during his presidency and new lineage software (on CD) was introduced. The software was the predecessor to iPEDS, which also began development in 2000.
 
Funeral services for Mr. Welch were held today in McMinnville, Tennessee, where he lived. He and his wife, Barbara, would have celebrated 58 years of marriage on August 1. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and three sisters.