James L. Helming

James L. "Jim" Helming, age 71, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, December 13, 2012, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born on August 31, 1941, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of late Henry and Grace (Carwile) Helming. On May 31, 1982, he was united in marriage in Las Vegas, Nevada to Carol L. Bergner, who survives at their home. A lifelong resident of Jefferson City, Jim was employed by Writeway Poultry, Capital City Ice Plant, and drove for Hamms Beer Company. For the majority of his life, Jim was a firefighter with the Jefferson City Fire Department for 35 years, where he retired in 1996. He was also the owner of Jim's Budweiser Inn for over 40 years. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph Catholic Church; the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5; and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 2693. Jim enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends, woodworking, hunting, and flying small planes, after obtaining his pilot license. He also loved being outdoors, just riding around, and was an avid golfer. Survivors include: his wife, Carol Helming; one son, Jason Helming (wife Michelle) of Jefferson City, Mo.; two daughters, Julie Engelbrecht (husband Brad) of Jefferson City, Mo. and Jamie Plochberger (husband Jason) of Lohman, Mo; two sisters, Betty Reinkemeyer (late husband Leo) of Argyle, Mo. and Judy Helming of Jefferson City, Mo.; one brother, Denny Helming (wife Michelle) of New Bloomfield, Mo.; and seven grandchildren, Brittney Engelbrecht, Meagan Engelbrecht, James "Christopher" Helming, Landon Plochberger, Katelynn Helming, Lexie Plochberger, and Lucas Plochberger. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and one special friend/guardian, George Huegel. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 17, 2012, with a celebration of life service at 3:30 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Reverend Monsignor Gregory L. Higley officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the James "Jim" L. Helming Memorial Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com