A Celebration of Life was held Saturday at Lakewood Funeral Home for Jonathan Russell "J.R." Welch, 42, of Modesto. He died Jan. 20, 2009. He died Jan. 20, 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born June 22, 1966, J.R. was an artist and talented musician. He served as manager of Gottschalk Music Center Instrument Repair Center. He repaired musical instruments for more than 25 years. He was proficient with the trumpet, the French Horn, tuba, baritone and trombone, and the saxophone.

Mr. Welch performed in community-based musical groups, including Ernie Bucio's Little Big Band, the Barkin' Dog Jazz Band and MoBand (The Modesto Band of Stanislaus County). He also performed regularly as a bassist with the New Horizons Jazz Band, the Gottschalk Concert Band and other Gottschalk Music Center ensembles, as well as the Modesto Junior College Community Band and Hughson barn band. J.R. enjoyed spending time at the beach, the mountains, and Disneyland and enjoyed biking and hiking.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores Welch of Modesto; and his mother, JoAnna Welch of Modesto.

Remembrances may be sent to the Modesto Band of Stanislaus County, 1021 Shaftsbury Ct., Modesto, CA 95350.

-Ceres (Calif.) Courier /Jan. 28, 2009