James Helms, Jr.

Jim lived a full and generous life as seen through his devotion to his family, his service to others, and a deep love for his community. He was admired for his integrity, steady leadership, and genuine kindness.

Jim was born on September 24, 1925, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the Rev. James Helms, Sr., a Missionary, US Lieutenant Colonel, Chaplain and Episcopal Minister and Mary Adelaide Fritz Helms. At the age of 5 his family moved to Arizona where Jim spent much of his childhood on the Navajo Reservation at Fort Defiance. Growing up on the Reservation with his three sisters, Mary, Feppy and Margaret, helped to shape his strong sense of faith, responsibility and respect for others. As a young teen, he attended Harvard Military School in North Hollywood and later graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School.

During World War II, Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at just twenty years old. He later served as a 2nd Lieutenant Commander of a POW compound in Hawaii. He continued his military service in the Army Reserves for more than twenty years, retiring with the rank of Major in 1980 as the CO of the 3rd Battalion 15th Infantry Reserve in Santa Ana, CA.

After the war, Jim finished his studies at the University of the South in Sewanee, earning a degree in Mathematics and Physics. He went on to receive his law degree from the University of Southern California in 1952. He opened his law practice in Arcadia and later became a partner with the legal firm of Helms, Hanrahan and Myers specializing in Probate matters until his retirement in 2020 at the age of 94.

Over the years Jim held leadership roles in numerous civic, charitable, fraternal, and faith-based organizations. His commitment to service extended throughout the Arcadia community. He served eight years on the Arcadia City Council and as Mayor from 1971 to 1972. He was the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce and General Chairman of both the Arcadia Diamond Jubilee and Centennial celebrations. He served as the Chairman and Director of the Arcadia Methodist Hospital and on the Board of Trustees. Jim served as the Senior Warden and on the Vestry of the Church of the Transfiguration and as the Worshipful Master 3 times for the Arcadia Masonic Lodge #278. He was always generous with his time for the city that he loved and was recognized twice as Arcadia Citizen of the Year, an honor that reflected the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him.

While in college, Jim met the love of his life, Georgiana Miller. They were married in 1951 and shared fifty years together until her passing in 2002. Together they raised three daughters, Margaret, Gena and Mary, and built a family rooted in love, faith, and support for one another. Jim was a devoted father, a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, and a delighted great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren.

Jim found joy in many pursuits, including travelling, sailing along the Ca coast, hiking, camping, tennis, golf, running, and was a licensed Ham Radio Operator. Whether climbing Mount Whitney, sailing his beloved Lido 14 on Huntington Lake or participating in the family pumpkin growing contest, he approached life with curiosity, energy, and gratitude.

James R. Helms, Jr. will be remembered for his steadfast character, his devotion to those he loved, and his lifelong commitment to serving others. His legacy lives on in his family, his community, and the many lives he touched.