HELMS, James R. – of Clio, age 78, died peacefully on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Wellbridge of Grand Blanc. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Friday, December 4, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – 11110 Saginaw St., in Mt. Morris. Rev Fr. Roy Horning officiating. Burial in West Vienna Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the O’Guinn Family Funeral Home in Clio on Thursday from 4PM until 7PM and at the church on Friday from 10AM until the time of Mass at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Leader Dogs for the Blind, or the Old Newsboys of Flint. James was born April 6, 1942 in Flint, Michigan to the late William and Freida (Fritzler) Helms. He graduated from Beecher High School in 1960 and helped organize many class reunions over the years. James married Barbara E. Stimac on September 14, 1963 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She preceded him in death October 20, 2020. Jim drove (fork) truck and served as shop committee as a proud member of the UAW Local #651 at AC Delco/Delphi before retiring in 1996 with over 33 years seniority. He enjoyed volunteering with the Old Newsboys. James was co-founder of C&M Ambulance Service, a Clio/Vienna police officer, and was also a member of the Clio/Vienna Jaycees. He was proud of his adoptive heritage into the Croatian Lodge #561. He became passionately involved with the Lions Club of Genesee and Westwood Heights after becoming legally blind. He loved spending time at his cabin at Lake Ogemaw, camping at Black Lake, Otsego Lake, and in the UP, cooking around the campfire, hunting, and fishing. Above all, James loved spending time with his family and never missed his grandchildren’s ball games or events. Surviving are: Daughters: Cynthia (James) Bronson, and Catrina (Eric) Wiskur; Son: James Helms II; Son in law, Scott Coffey; Grandchildren: Ashley (Ian) Corrigal, Megan (Matt) Jacobs, Holly Bronson, Jake Bronson, Stuart Wiskur, Schaefer Wiskur, and Nathan Helms; Brother, Jerry Helms; Sister, Marleen Davis; Many other loving family members and dear friends, especially longtime friends, Ron Rodden, and Keith and Wava Valliere. James was preceded in death by: Daughter, Christina Coffey; Brother, Walter Helms; Brothers in law: LeRoy Davis, Paul Stimac and Frank (Nancy) Stimac. Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.oguinnfh.com. O’Guinn Family Funeral Home Clio Chapel 810.686.5070