October 28, 1931 - April 27, 2018
Chaplain (Ret.) James W. Helfers of North Little Rock and Sherwood left this world and is present with the Lord on April 27, 2018 at age 86. Rev. Helfers retired as Chaplain of the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Arkansas Veterans' Health Care System, Little Rock, AR.
In addition to his ministerial work, Chaplain Helfers focused on his own personal Christian faith, his family and his music. He showed in many ways that he loved his wife, his children and his friends, and he sacrificed his time and energy for them. He loved music and especially playing the piano, accompanying his wife Carole for many years as she sang at church, and accompanying his children's instrumental solos and the singing at many services. His playing of hymns and classical compositions (as well as his playing of Fats Waller's boogie-woogie songs) was legendary, and a source of much joy and entertainment.
Born in Des Plaines, IL, Rev. Helfers served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he received the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service for his participation in a rescue operation for South Korean train crash victims.
He received his B.A. degree from Roosevelt University (Chicago, IL), and his Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Religious Education, and Master of Divinity degrees from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (Oak Brook, IL). He also received Advanced Certification in Clinical Pastoral Education at Augustana Lutheran Hospital (Chicago, IL). Ordained by the American Baptist Churches, USA, Rev. Helfers pastored Rapatee Union Church (Rapatee, IL), West Pullman Baptist Church (Chicago, IL), and served as Chaplain at Oak Forest Hospital (Oak Forest, IL).
As Chaplain, he received numerous performance awards for superior and outstanding service to U.S. military veterans, including a Service Award for 30 years of Dedicated Service to the U.S. Government, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington D.C.
He ministered in the greater Little Rock community as a guest speaker and pianist in local churches, senior citizens' housing projects, assisted living centers, and at the Union Rescue Mission.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Myrtle, and his brother Elmer (''Junior''). He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carole, and their children Jim (Christine), Debbie Vaile (Gary), Joy Willis (Mike), and Sandy Schneider (John); grandchildren Beth (Steve), Nathan (Tana), Christine (Wes), Charity (Matt), Brandon (Sarah), Justin (Taylor), Katherine (Jake) and John; and five great-grandchildren''''Ava, Makaela, Eden, Emma and Eliza.
Visitation will be held at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, North Little Rock, from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 2; funeral services will be held at Roller-Owens at 10:00 Thursday morning, with a graveside committal immediately following at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Union Rescue Mission, PO BOX 164057, Little Rock, AR 72216 or The Gideons International, PO BOX 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 or Our Daily Bread Ministries, PO BOX 2222, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2222.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Carroll and you both have a special place in my heart. I want to thank you for those times you took to talk with me when we had family problems and before I went into the military (James Helfers). Thank you for your time and care of the Hinton family. Love in Christ! Valoise
Debbie and family,
Our prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. You will all miss your sweet Dad but it's such a blessing for you to know that he's happy at Jesus feet and not in pain.
It's so wonderful to know that he was a willing and active servant of the Lord during his earthly life.
Debbie,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that time eases your pain.
Carole and family,
Glen and I are praying that the love of God enfolds you during this difficult and sad time.
Only God knows what you are feeling, and only He can restore your spirit. Our hearts are broken by your loss and our thoughts are with you. May the memories of your precious Jim and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.
We will miss our friend.
Carole, thank you and Jim for your love and support over the years. Jim has been a steadfast rock who will live on in my heart.
Love,
Martin
Dear Jim and Carole, our life long friendship has been a gift from God and a great blessing. Jim will be greatly missed, but I know that he's rejoicing with the Lord at this time.
With love and a grateful heart, always,
Ann
Mr. Helfers, one of the finest gentlemen I have known. He will be missed by so many. So sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing, I know he will be missed.
We sent a donation to the Union Rescue Mission in his honor.
Tyke
I am sorry to hear about the death of Chaplin Helfers. I worked at the Little Rock VA during the time he was there. Chaplin was such a kind and gentle man who loved visiting the veterans. He seldom missed a day making rounds on the wards and visiting with patients and families. He also ministered to the nurses as well. He graciously officiated my wedding in 1979. I saw him a couple of years ago at the funeral of a mutual friend. He was a true servant of the Lord.
Sarah Thornton
I am so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I will always be grateful to him for staying in touch with me through the years. I have such fond memories of Jim, Carole, and his lovely family. They all have such a way of sharing their joy for life with hilarious humor. Although I will miss Jim, I know without a doubt that he is having a great time with our Lord Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing Jim again in the next world to come. Blessings and love to Carole, Debbie, Joy, Jim (their son), Sandy, and the rest of their family.
Both Mr. & Mrs. Helfers touched our family greatly as they were the AWANA leaders for our two boys when they were young. In fact our oldest son accepted Christ through their ministry there. Mr. Helfers was a shining servant of the Lord, and I know he had a huge welcome and "well done good and faithful servant" from the Lord Himself when he arrived in heaven.
Without question, Jim was one of the most loving and caring men we have known. His life and ministries were exemplary examples of living a Christ-like existence on earth, His lifelong service to veterans and homeless people is a superb example of his selfless devotion to addressing the needs of others. He always had time to listen, counsel, advocate, and pray for "the least of these."
I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven has claimed another saint. May God bless the family.
Jim was truly one of a kind and we agree, hands down, that he was the best human being we’ve ever known. If there was ever someone that deserved to live in Paradise forever, it’s him. We love you, Jim.
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.