James W. Helman

TRAVERSE CITY - James W. Helman joined the Saints in Light on December 11, 2019, surrounded by his family. Jim had endured a seven-year challenging diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). His journey was puzzling to the medical community who worked diligently to give him quality of life. Jim and his family are extremely grateful for all of the professional diligence and compassion of the medical professionals he encountered. Jim was born February 26, 1949, to Royal Harvey and Betty Josephine (McQueen) Helman in “Big Beautiful Downtown Goshen, Indiana.” Jim graduated from Goshen High School in 1967, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Goshen College in 1971, and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, in 1975. Ordination within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America took place at Trinity Lutheran Church, Goshen, Indiana, June 22, 1975. Jim was blessed by the opportunity to be called to three congregations in Michigan within his ministry. He served Redeemer Lutheran Church in Owosso, 1975-1984, St. John Lutheran Church in Romeo, 1985-1988, and Feast of Lutheran Church in Acme, 1988-2014. Jim retired in June of 2014 completing thirty-nine years of faithful service to God and His people. Throughout Jim’s career, he believed and emulated servant leadership. He was a man of faith and great love for his family and the people of God. Jim believed in the priesthood of all believers and worked diligently to help those he served to identify and develop their Spiritual gifts in order to more fully serve our Lord. Challenges, hard work, professionalism, compassion, and dedication were no strangers to this man. Jim was an innovative thinker, an avid reader, a tenacious student, an intelligent teacher, and a loyal friend to many. Over the years he was a leader and participant in many community-based projects as well as work within the Church Synod. Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon (Sherri) and their two beautiful daughters, Jennifer (Justin) French, Emily (Tanya) Helman, and their son-in-law, Curt Wilson. Jim and Sherri have been blessed with six grandchildren, Caden, Grant, and Eli Wilson, Cora French, and Cameron and Carter Darling. The love of family, children, and grandchildren has been a joy to Jim and he will be greatly missed. Jim is also survived by his sister, Beverly Stringfellow, and his brother, John Helman. Jim was predeceased by his parents. Visitation will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. A Celebration of Jim’s life will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, December 16, 2019 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be directed to Feast of Victory Lutheran Church, 4400 Mt. Hope Road, Acme, MI 49610 or ACTS Acme Thrift Store and Food Pantry, 8925 M-72, Williamsburg, MI 49690. The family gives great thanks to our God and Creator for the gift of this man and to all of his extended family, friends, and colleagues who love him.

James W. Helman

February 26, 1949 - December 11, 2019