On May 23, 1949 God gave James the gift of life in Evanston, Illinois. He was the oldest of three children born to James and Doris Anne (Dodie) Helke. God claimed James as His own precious child through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at Trinity Lutheran Church in Evanston.
The Helke family moved to New Mexico, Dallas and then to Houston in 1957. James grew up in a loving family. Their family vacations were “camping” all over Texas even if Dad was working Mom would take them camping. James was active in Boy Scouts growing up then later as a teenager he began to surf and was a life guard. He loved the water especially the beach. After attending college, James started scuba diving. He joined the Bay Area Divers Club and mentored college students as they earned their certification. James enjoyed a broad range of business ventures; a neighborhood swimming pool, building/renovating homes, and a fence company to name a few.
He loved his family and enjoyed cooking for them! He, along with his parents, was a charter member of Advent Lutheran Church. He enjoyed serving on the Maintenance Board, Church Council and helping people. He also helped with the restoration of College Park Cemetery. In 2012 the entire Cemetery is permanently fenced for the first time. James is preceded in death by his parents James and Dodie Helke, brother Doyle Helke and his sister Jacki Helke. He is survived by his wife Theresa Helke, step-son Joey Gibson and his wife Dyani, nephew Zachary Helke, niece Jessica Helke and other relatives and friends.
A visitation for James will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd, Houston, Texas 77008. A celebration of life service will occur Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Advent Lutheran Church, 5820 Pinemont Dr., Houston, Texas 77393. occur.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Helke Jr. family.
