Mr. Jay H. Helms

Jay H. Helms, 73, passed away peacefully at home on November 20, 2016. Born on June 13, 1943, He is the son of the late I.J. and Hazel Ashcraft Helms. Mr. Helms was born in Cabarrus County NC but the family soon moved to Columbia. He graduated from Dreher High School in 1961 and enlisted in the Marine Corps that summer. He served on active duty for 3 years, achieving the rank of corporal and then served for several years in the Marine Reserves.

In 1964, Mr. Helms began attending the University Of South Carolina where he met his future wife, JoAnn Hall. The next year, he went to work as a draftsman at Kline Iron & Steel, where he worked for the next 37 years. Mr. Helms was named Vice President for Structural Engineering in 1985 and later named Senior Vice President for Engineering in 1998. Before retiring, he worked at several other companies in the structural steel industry, including FabTech and McGill Engineering. In 2001, Mr. Helms and his wife took a tour of the Holy Land, a trip he later called a life changing experience. For over 45 years, Mr. Helms was a member of the Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC, serving as a greeter, usher, and a member of the Mission and Finance committees. He was also a longtime volunteer with the Virginia Wingard Community Food Pantry.

Mr. Helms is predeceased by two brothers, CJ Helms and Herman Helms and a sister Sara Bailey. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, JoAnn, son Edward (Angela) Helms of Lexington, daughter Sara Catherine (Daniel) Brooks of Nolensville TN, and grandchildren, Emily, Hayden, and Finley. He is also survived by a brother Fred Helms (Dorinda) of Columbia, a sister Kathryn Hartsell of Concord NC, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of the Lutheran Hospice and Be Well Services for their care and support.

A memorial service will be held on November 22, 2:00 pm, at Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC. The family will receive visitors, at the church, one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending a donation to the Salkehatchie Summer Service Ministry or Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC, 1500 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.