James Edward Helmich, age 88, of Livonia, Missouri, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington, Iowa, with services conducted by David Crossgrove. Military honors will be accorded by Washington American Legion Post 29. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa, at a later date. Memorials have been established for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (T2T.org). Online condolences may be sent for Jim’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

James “Jim” Edward Helmich was born May 25, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Willard Edward and Henrietta Mary (Collins) Helmich. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Ohio. Jim served as a Boy Scout Leader from 1950 – 1955 before joining the Air Force in 1956. While in the Air Force he traveled to North and South Africa, Tripoli, Germany, France, Italy and Austria. He was listed as an Administrative Clerk and was promoted to the Secret Service with title of NCOIC of TSCO, a non-commissioned officer in charge of top-secret control office due to his ability to memorize codes. He was honorably discharged in 1960 and received a good conduct medal for his service. He was most proud of his military service and his love of country that he carried with him through his whole life.

After his service, Jim attended Sinclair College in Ohio for Architectural Engineering and Design for 1 ½ years and then joined the Carpenter’s Union, working as an apprentice, learning the carpentry trade. This skill took him many places to build homes, airports, and hospitals. His favorite was in the Virgin Islands. His ability to repair, design, create and build was limitless.

While working as a general contractor in Florida, he met his soulmate, Robert Ann, AKA “Babydoll”. They were united in marriage on October 26, 1996 in St. Augustine, Florida, where they spent many years building homes.

Jim loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and skilled marksman with many trophies. He enjoyed camping and building his own Helmich Hideaway (at the age of 84) in the woods where he and Babydoll could go to spend time and enjoy God’s creation.

Jim retired at 80, but never stopped working. He devoted his days to working hard on smaller projects, creating pieces of wood art, including lamps and shelves with deer antlers, and furniture. He enjoyed helping others and loved God. He never wavered when it came to upholding the values of honor, respect, and love of country. His love for his family had no limits and he made sure that was known. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Roberta Ann Helmich of Livonia, Missouri; sons, Rodney Dean Helmich and Scott Lee Helmich of Gainesville, Florida; daughter, Laura (Erwin) Garrett of Rogers, Arkansas; daughter, Alicia (Erwin) Vittetoe and husband Don of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Julie (Erwin) Knott and husband Jason of Lecanto, Florida; son-in-law, Kenneth Kanipe of Sarasota, Florida; twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori (Helmich) Kanipe.