Reverend J.V. Helms, of Victoria, passed away April 15, 2019. He was born July 2, 1929 in Moulton, Texas to P.A. and Amalia Helms. He married Ola Thompson, his wife of 66 years, on August 7, 1953 in Papalote, Texas and they had four children together, J. Warren Helms (Donna), Randy Helms (Lisa), Tami Wright (Ronnie), Rhoda Hewitt (Tony). He had 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather and friend to all who crossed his path. For many he was an encourager, counselor, teacher, preacher, leader, comforter and fishing partner. He dedicated his life to serving the Lord and others. He was a servant unto all.
J.V. received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Corpus Christi and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also completed pastoral care courses at Baylor University and the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
J.V. served the Lord faithfully for 69 years. He surrendered to the ministry in 1950 and was called to pastor First Baptist Church Papalote, Texas in 1951. From there he served at Selden Baptist Church Stephenville, First Baptist Church Point Comfort, Highlands Baptist Church La Marque and Baptist Temple Church Victoria from June 1972 – June 1994. He served on multiple committees and boards over the years including the Baptist General Convention of Texas, The Baptist Association, Houston Baptist University, Valley Baptist Academy and the Texas Baptist Encampment. After his retirement in 1994, he redirected his ministry by serving as interim pastor for many area churches through 2017. He also pursued his passion for fishing with family and friends which created many memories throughout the years. He considered it an honor to officiate the wedding ceremonies for all his children and grandchildren, with the last ceremony being for his grandson in February 2019.
J.V. is preceded in death by his father P. A. Helms, Sr. and mother Amalia Helms, brothers P.A. Helms, Jr., David Waverly Helms, Crawford Helms, sister Marie Hartke and nephew Denis Helms. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his sisters Daisy Munson (Mel), Annie Wyatt (Leon) and Charlene Graner (Ron) and sister-in-laws Jane Helms(wife of P.A. Helms, Jr), Jillana Helms(wife of Crawford Helms); brother-in-law Glenn Hartke (husband of Marie) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Grandchildren and greatgrandchildren are Bonnie and Theron Epp, Kate and Gabe; Austin and Valentina Helms; Kris and Amanda Helms; Abby and Carson Holmes, Tristan; Ralston and Taylor Wright, Wyatt; Hannah and Kirby Spinks, Saige; Hayden and Katie Hewitt, Connor and Cooper; and Seth Moses.
Pallbearers are his 8 grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff of Citizens Memorial Hospital and Hospice of South Texas for their compassionate and loving care.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2019 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM at Rosewood Funeral Home in Victoria, Texas. Services will be on Friday, April 19, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Baptist Temple Church, 1804 N. Laurent, Victoria, Texas followed by graveside service at Giddings City Cemetery, Highway 290, Giddings, Texas at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in his honor to Baptist Temple Church, 1804 N. Laurent, Victoria, Texas 77901; Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Ave., Victoria, Texas 77901; or the Texas Baptist Encampment, 100 First Street, Palacios, Texas 77465.
To share your memories or stories of Brother J.V. with the family visit www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
