James Edward Heltsley

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

We rejoice that on Monday, April 16, 2012, James Edward Heltsley fell asleep and awoke to eternal life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Jim was born to Florence and Paul Heltsley on December 13, 1941 in Akron Ohio.

Jim was beloved by many friends and family and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his mother and his father.   He is survived by his bride, his best friend and travel mate of 44 years, Marilyn Heltsley. Daughter Christina Liebler (Dan) of Gloucester, VA and children Anna, Reece and Joseph will miss his infectious laugh and special trips for ice cream whenever he would visit.  Daughter Debbie Scalia (Kevin) of Avon, NC, along with grandchildren Colin and Ava will mourn the loss of a wise Dad and Grandfather that always had a thoughtful solution to any problems life threw at them. Daughter Julie Heltsley of Annapolis, Maryland will miss her biggest cheerleader in life and will bring her father great joy in heaven when she achieves her dream (and Dad’s too) of completing her Masters at Johns Hopkins University this spring.  Jim will be greatly missed by his dearest brother and friend Robert Heltsley and wife Sandy (Spring Hill, Fl), and their children Ray Heltsley and Patty (Kevin) Jarvis. We know he will also be missed by his extended Spring Hill family, Bob and Lucille Bedlion, Aunt Vi and Jim, and Larry and Laura. Additionally he is survived by his Aunt Nellie Pinkerton in Akron, OH. And a very special pug friend, named Lily who he loved very much.  Dad had countless friends that brought joy to his life as travel companions, in sharing meals, attending church, veterans clubs, and neighborly get-togethers.    All of us will miss Jim’s passionate spirit, his positive outlook on life, and his love and adoration for his family and friends who brought so much joy to his life.

Jim will be remembered as an activist and passionate fighter for the cause of Education and employee benefits through his 29 years of teaching and years of service as President of FLTA and Legislative Chair of the NEOEA. Jim served his country in Vietnam with the 1st Air Calvary Division where he earned a purple heart, several bronze stars and other honors for his bravery and sacrifice. He was a member of the Wellington Veterans group, the American Legion and Spring Hill VFW. He earned his Masters in Education from Akron University and many hours towards a Doctorate degree.  Jim was fortunate to have success early in life as a Real Estate Agent in Ohio and then again in the Outer Banks of NC when he retired from teaching.  He loved serving at Holy Cross Lutheran Church where he was a member and came to know the glorious savior that welcomed him home this Monday.