Jack Helms' Obituary
On Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Jack Helms was called to his heavenly home surrounded by his loved ones in Glenwood Healthcare, Seymour, Missouri ay the age of fifty-five years, eight months and six days. Although we will miss him, we have hope in the truth of our Lord Jesus that he lives and one day we will meet again.
The first born son of Edwin Ray and Betty Lou (Churchill) Helms, Jack was born November 25, 1956 in Mansfield Hospital, Mansfield, Missouri. Raised in the Seymour area Jack enjoyed the simple country life. In 1974, Jack joined the United States Army, upon his return Jack went to work at the Seymour Steel Plant. He held many different jobs through out his life to support his family, H.D. Lee, Loren Cook Co, H&R Block, Emerson Electric and general contracting as well as brick laying.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his maternal grandparents John and Mary Churchill; and his paternal grandparents John and Stella Helms.
Jack leaves behind his wife Jenifer Jane (McDaniel) Helms; his son Zachary Allen Helms, both of Seymour, Missouri; his daughter Cammie Jo Maldonado of Hartville, Missouri; his step-daughter Lanette (Shelley) Denney and husband Warren of Seymour, Missouri; his step-grandson Brett Denney also of Seymour; his sister Tammy Tracy and husband Kyle of Seymour, Missouri; his brothers Mike Helms and wife Debbie of Seymour, Missouri and Tony Helms and wife Cris of Fairplay, Missouri; as well as a many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; many wonderful cousins, aunts and uncles and a host of other dear family and friends; especially his roommate at the nursing home, Rod Hennigh.
A people person, Jack never met a stranger. Soft hearted, caring and fun loving, he kept folks laughing. He loved children and animals, and they seemed to gravitate toward him. It was in nature that he felt at home, fishing, hunting, camping or just getting out in the woods. It was there in the wonder and beauty that Jack spent time with his Lord. There was never a dull moment, be it his motorcycle phase with the Rat Pack or being with his family and friends. He loved his family, his friends and all can attest to the fact that regardless the circumstances it was easy to love him in return.
In the summer of 1999, Jack came to know Jesus as his Lord. After witnessing the difference in his son Zach’s life, Jack too wanted to be baptized. He taught bible school, church camp and was an inspiring witness to all he saw and spoke to. He had turned from his wild life and committed his self to serving the Lord. Shortly after this change Jenifer was baptized and the couple was united in holy matrimony. After a hard fought battle with his illness, Jack was admitted into Glenwood Healthcare; there the Lord saw fit to place Gary Owens in his path to mentor him. Family, faith and love is written in Jack’s story and he lived his last moments as a testament to the one he served.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, nephew, cousin and a caring neighbor and friend, Jack Helms will be missed. His life was an adventure and we share in those treasured memories today and always. A simple man, who loved his family, served his Lord and gave with his heart.
A memorial service will be held Monday, August 6, 2012 at 6:30p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Human Society, Perferred Hospice of the Ozarks or the Alley Cats Rescue in care of HOLMAN HOWE PO BOX 366, SEYMOUR, MO 65746.
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