John Walter (Jay) Helms

John Walter Helms (Jay) of Goodview passed away on January 2nd, 2024. He is the son of the late James Rodney Helms Sr. and Lois Argenbright Helms. He is also preceded in death by his brother James Rodney Helms Jr (Jim).
He is survived by his sons Chad Helms (Jen Barger-Helms) and Jayme Helms (Doug Coleman), grandchildren Rob and Nicole Helms.
Jay was in the US Army National guard from 1958 to 1961. He achieved the rank of Sargent. He retired from Piedmont Airlines with 30 years of service in 1990. He served his community as a member of the Stewartsville Chamblissburg Fire Department rising to the rank of Assistant Chief. He was also Firefighter of the Year in 1994. Not being able to sit still, he started helping in several construction endeavors (best saw-man in the business), helping as a pit crew for a local go-kart team, farming, and just tinkering on his old trucks.
Jay was an avid NASCAR fan, Ford enthusiast and die-hard Bill Elliott fan. Even after Bill retired he cheered for his son Chase (even though he drove a Chevrolet).
A special thank you to Samantha and her staff at Terra Bella Pheasant Ridge (especially Barbara) and to Sarah and her staff at Affinity Care Hospice for the care provided during the last months of Jay’s life.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 at the LOTZ Funeral Home in Vinton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Swing to End It Inc
15786 Stewartsville Road
Vinton, VA 24179-5903

This is a local 501c3 charity that funds local Alzheimer’s research.