James Thomas Helms

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and family member, James Thomas Helms, who passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, at the age of 77.

A retired civil engineer, James lived a life marked by dedication, resilience, and quiet strength. He spent his career helping build and shape the communities around him, taking pride in work that will stand for generations.

Born and raised in Eastman, Georgia, where much of his family still resides, James spent the last 27 years of his life in East Tennessee, where he found comfort in a quieter pace of life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering, and spending time with his son Robert "Blake" and granddaughters-Sydney, Aubrey, and Gemma-whenever he had the opportunity.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jessica "Jet" Helms, and his parents, Henry Helms and Myrtice Murkerson. He is survived by his four children-James "Jim" Helms, Michelle Harvard, Richard Helms, and Robert "Blake" Helms-as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Throughout life, family relationships may have taken different paths, but the love and bond of family remain. He was a wonderful father to all four of his children, and each shared their own unique connection with him that became part of his life story.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Terry, Amanda, Lawrence, and Ken for their care and support over the last year.

James was a loving, helpful, and compassionate man, known for being generous and protective of those he cared about. He carried himself with pride and a stubborn strength that defined much of his life. A man of Christian faith, he read his Bible and held a personal relationship with Jesus, living his beliefs quietly and in his own way.

He will be remembered for his presence, his wisdom, his lessons, his strength, and the memories he leaves behind with those who knew and loved him, as well as for his steady nature, strong values, and the quiet dignity with which he lived his life.

The family asks for prayers, peace, and respect during this time as they come together to honor and remember his life.

A private remembrance will be held by those closest to him.

You are encouraged to share a memory of James and extend your condolences to his family by visiting his memorial page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist with these arrangements.