James Edward Helms of Mathiston passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 96. James was the son of Jesse Orville Helms and Queenie Estelle Bush Helms.

James spent many years as a self-employed carpenter, a trade he truly enjoyed, along with his love of hunting. Known affectionately to many as “Papa Smurf” for his signature white beard, James was an outgoing man who never met a stranger. James served his country in the US Army and was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church. Though he had many friends and was deeply loved by all who knew him, his greatest joy was his family. He especially cherished the time spent coaching and helping his grandchildren with baseball and softball.

James is survived by one daughter, Vickie Ming (David) of Clarkson; four grandchildren, Tracie Fiebig (Ed) of Ackerman, Jamie Robertson (Angela) of Eupora, Christi Smith of South Carolina, and Justin Ming (Haleigh) of Mathiston; six great-grandchildren, Brady Dewberry (Hilary) of McCool, Brittney Dewberry of Pontotoc; Stephen Smith of Missouri; Austin Robertson (Kelsie) of Eupora, Boo Robertson (Keegan) of Eupora, and Ashlyn Ming of Mathiston; six great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Malloy Pierce Helms; three brothers, L.B. Helms of Mathiston, Jesse Helms of Birmingham, AL, and John Helms of Birmingham, AL; five sisters, Cecil Williams of Moorhead, Lottie Robertson of Eupora, Dorothy Latham of Mathiston, Adele Norton of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Theda Fleming of Drew.