The halls of Peck Community Schools fell silent on Friday when the community learned of the sudden passing of their longtime Athletic Director and mentor, James Welch. Mr. Welch died on November 6, 2025, after an unforeseen medical incident, leaving students, staff and families reeling at the loss of a leader who meant much, much more than a job title.
Over the years, Mr. Welch became far more than the face of the athletics program. As Athletic Director and behavior specialist at Peck, he was the steady voice in the locker-room, the early-morning presence at practice, the person who greeted nervous freshmen and congratulated championship teams alike. According to the district’s staff page, he held the dual roles of Athletic Director and Behavior Specialist. But his impact reached far beyond schedules and game-day lineups.
He embodied mentorship—he was the one who pulled aside a struggling student-athlete and offered words of encouragement, who reminded coaches that character matters as much as scoreboard wins, who treated everyone as if they were part of one big family. In dozens of posts on the school’s live-feed, faculty and students thanked him directly for his support, dedication and willingness to help however needed. It’s that consistent presence—season after season—that made his passing feel like a personal loss to so many.
In his final days, Mr. Welch continued his routine of posting schedules, announcements and shout-outs to his beloved “Pirates” athletics community. There was no hint of how fragile life could be. And now, the community must grapple with how to carry forward the spirit he worked so tirelessly to foster.
In light of this tragedy, Peck Community Schools canceled classes on November 7, 2025, to allow students and staff space to grieve. Support staff were available from 9 a.m. to noon to provide guidance and counseling to anyone who needed it. Families were encouraged to reach out to the high school office for assistance. This time has become one of quiet reckoning and collective healing. (Note: the original announcement of this schedule change came directly from the message circulated by the school community.)
The ripple of support has spread across the region, with the entire Sandusky Wolves family publicly standing in solidarity with Peck. While the Wolves and Peck might not always share the field, today they share the sorrow—and the respect—for a man who gave his all. His legacy will live on not just in trophies or wins, but in the countless lives he influenced.
Though his life was taken far too soon, the lessons Mr. Welch imparted—the importance of teamwork, character, caring for others, never giving up—will continue to shape Peck athletes and community members for years to come. He leaves behind his loving wife, Shane, his son, Grady, and a community united in grief and gratitude. Rest in peace, Mr. Welch—you will be remembered, cherished and missed by all whose journey you touched.