James C. Helms passed peacefully from this world into the realms of angels at 8:15am on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.  With his worldly affliction defeated, he is safely in the arms of his loving parents and his granddaughter who paved the way before him.

JC was born on August 9, 1934 in Fairfield, NC to the late Goldie and Fulton Helms.  He was the oldest brother in a very lively household of 5 younger brothers and two sisters.  He is survived by his Sister Buena Ann Presson and Brothers Ned Helms (Rena), Larry Helms (Shirley) and Richard Helms.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Simpson and brothers, Bobby and Rodney Helms.

On February 25, 1981, JC married the love of his life, Bonnie Threatt. The love these two shared is stuff of legend, especially among their children, grandchildren and great, grandchildren.  In addition to the great love between these two, was an overriding desire to blend two families into one!  And that they did!  JC and Bonnie were the proud parents of Daughter, Sherry Love (Denning); Son, Phil Helms (Kelly), Son, Mike Jones (Angie), Son, Greg Jones (Sheri); They immensely loved their grandchildren, Nikki & Jody Harvey (Brenton & Ayden), Clint Helms (Oakley), Ryan Richard, Casey Richard, Dillon Love, Shelby and Micah Church (Emery & Avery), Addison Jones, Luke Jones (Allison), Caroline (Ivy) and Demi Scriba (Nate).

He was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Amanda.

JC proudly served his country, enlisting into the US Air Force on March 28, 1955.  After he completed his service in the US Air Force, he dedicated his career years to the North Carolina Air National Guard (NCANG).  He retired from the Guard on August 7, 1994 as Chief Master Sergeant, Senior Enlisted Advisor.  He received many commendations for the contributions he made to the betterment of the NCANG and all the enlisted men that he served.

Over the years, JC and Bonnie hosted numerous family dinners and parties.  All were noisy affairs filled with good food, laughing, and good nature ribbing.  Of all the good times, the one that was looked forward to the most was the annual family trip to the beach.

JC was a loving, humble man.  Through his actions and words, he taught us all how to be better people, parents and grandparents.  His legacy will live through all that loved him and had the privilege to call him Husband, Father and Grandfather.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10-10:45 in the Fairfield Community Church fellowship building and a memorial service to celebrate his life will follow at 11 AM in the church with military honors. The burial will be private.

Memorials can be made to Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church cemetery, c/o Eric Williams, 4720 Huggins Road, Marshville, NC, 28103

Morgan & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Helms.

Below is a statement from the US military:

Sadly we receive word that Command CMSgt (Ret) James C. Helms (86), JFHQ-NC and formerly of 145 MXS passed away this morning.  After serving many years in the 145 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and as the Supervisor of Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) Shop, Chief Helms was selected as the 4th State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the State of North Carolina.  After active duty, he joined the North Carolina Air National Guard on 12 Aug 1959 and served until his retirement on 7 Aug 1994.  The Chief also retired from Civil Service as a full time Air Technician in the 145 MXS.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie and their entire Helms family, to include his brothers Lt Col (Ret) Larry Helms, JFHQ-NC, and MSgt (Ret) Richard Helms, 145 CES who both retired from the NC Air Guard.