Jack Samuel Helfman

Jack Samuel Helfman was born in Houston, Texas on March 5, 1933. He attended San Jacinto High School and then graduated with a BA in business from the University of Houston in May 1953. At that time, Jack fell in love and married Elaine Bagelman of Port Arthur, Texas. It was a very brief courtship, as they both knew right away they were meant for each other, and that courtship lasted for over 58 years. Jack, with Elaine by his side, entered the United States Army where he achieved the rank of First Lieutenant while stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia. Upon the end of his service to his country, Jack and Elaine moved back to Houston where Jack began his career in the automobile business. Jack enlisted the help of his dad and his brother Billy, and they at first operated a used car lot on Washington Avenue, that in a few short years grew to 3 used car lots. Jack's dream was to be a new car dealer, and that dream was realized in 1971 when he purchased River Oaks Chrysler Plymouth which was to become the #1 Chrysler dealership in the world for a span of over 25 years. Additionally, Jack would add more dealerships as worthy opportunities presented themselves, including Helfman Ford and Helfman Dodge Chrysler Jeep.

More than Jack's love for his car business was his love for his family: first Sheri, then Alan, then Sandi. He loved being their Dad and he was so proud of them and their accomplishments every day of his life. He was so honored when his son Alan chose to follow him into his business, as well as Sheri's husband Nason, and Sandi's husband Steven. Together Jack instilled in them his work ethic, his love of trading, and his absolute commitment to his employees and his customers. As a result, he has employed thousands of Houstonians over a career of 58 years. Many of whom have remained loyal to him for 10, 20, 30, and even 40 years.

The circle of life became complete for Jack with the birth of his eight grandchildren: Jason, Lacey, Blake, Ashley, Eric, Cameron, Caitlin, and Samantha. He made sure that he created a relationship with each, independently styled for that particular grandchild. At one time or another, all eight have worked in one of Jack's enterprises. Jack was especially looking forward to the wedding of his oldest grandson Jason, to his fiance Rori - Jack will still attend- in spirit......

Jack is also survived by his brother Bill Helfman and his wife Marti, and their children and grandchildren, and Elaine's sister Sallye and her husband Carl Waldman, and their children and grandchildren.

Jack worked hard and believed in helping those who could not help themselves, and as a result served on numerous health, business, religious, and non profit boards and charities. There was always a special place in his heart for the Helfman Religious School at Temple Emanu El and Seven Acres, the Jewish Home for the Aged.

There are several people that must be mentioned who were instrumental in his care during the last few years. Lynn Leonard, Justin Grafe, and Carlos Barrios were dedicated professionals who gave of themselves countless hours to assist Jack in his fight for life. Drs. Al Raizner, Jim Muntz, Don Podoloff, Luis Fayad, Rick Goldfarb, and Jeff Friedman all had the same to say about Jack: "He was a fine gentlemen, who never complained, who loved his family, and whose family loved him, and, for a guy who had some pretty serious conditions, never admitted being sick or feeling bad ever!!!

Jack's family has asked that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to M.D. Anderson, Helfman Religious School, and/or Seven Acres.