James "Jim" Dean Helmker's Obituary
James "Jim" D. Helmker, age 82, of Lakeview, Michigan, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018, at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, Texas. Jim was born on July 21, 1936 in Holt, MI, the son of Vern A. and Katie (Potts) Helmker. He was raised in Leslie, MI, and graduated from Leslie High School class of 1954.
Jim served his country honorably in the United States Army - National Guard from October 1955 until his discharge after thirty-nine years on April 1994. Jim retired as a 1st Sergeant. He was employed by the Lansing Board of Water and Light as a Yard Foreman, retiring after twenty-three years. Jim married Patricia J. Logan on May 23, 1987 in Grand Ledge, MI and have spent thirty-one wonderful years together.
Jim was a faithful member of St. Frances De Sales Catholic Church in Lakeview, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Post 183 in Lansing, Lion's Club, Moose Lodge, and Good Sam's Club. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling. He loved spending time with family, friends, and church activities.
Jim is survived by his wife Pat Helmker of Lakeview; children Anna Marie Horton of FL, Linda Lee Mitchell of TX, Deana Louise Humes of TX, Alisa Katie (Todd) Willard of Hastings; stepchildren Ken Gardner, Debbie Heuss, Patrick Gardner, Doug Gardner, and John Gardner; twenty-five grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one sister Iva Butler; several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Vern and Katie Helmker; stepson Jeff Gardner; two sons-in-law Don Humes, and Paul Horton; and two sisters Claribell Creyts and Tryphena Shaft.
Funeral Mass for Jim will take place on Friday, November 16, 2018 at 12:00 PM at St. Frances De Sales Catholic Church in Lakeview, MI, with Father James VanderLaan officiating. The family will accept friends for visitation beginning at 10:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers those wishing to contribute in Jim's memory are asked to consider a charity of their choice. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Lansing on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 10:30 AM. Full Military honors will be held following the service at the Church. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at Brigham Funeral Chapel Banquet Room in Lakeview. Condolences to the family may be made utilizing the guestbook at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com
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