James (Jim) Benjamin Helten, 62, of El Dorado, KS passed away at home on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. Jim was born in Wichita, KS on August 22, 1954, to John N. and Margaret A. (Struble) Helten. He is survived by his siblings; Kathy (Phil) Smith of Interlochen, MI, Mary (Steve) Wheeler of Rose Hill, Gerald (Sue) Helten of Douglass, Peter (Michelle) Helten of Augusta, Carol Ann (Jerrod) Sorensen of Mulvane, Carolyn Sue (Jeff) Richwine of Rose Hill, and 38 nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John N. Helten, Jr. Jim grew up on a farm in Eastern Sedgwick County and, after graduating from Derby Senior High School, joined the Air Force where he served as a mechanic in the Minuteman Missile program. After working in the elevator/escalator industry most of his adult life, he retired early as a mechanic from Kone Americas Elevator & Escalator. Jim cared deeply about his family. We loved him and we will always carry him in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Sunlight Children’s Advocacy & Rights Foundation (SCARF) at 1918 N. Prairie Creed Rd., Andover, KS 67002. A private burial service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017.
