James J. Helm
James “Jim” J. Helm passed away on January 28, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver, CO.
Jim was born on December 29, 1943, in McCook, Nebraska to John F. and Helen M. (Sughroue) Helm. He attended grade school at Spring Branch 202, one mile west of Lyle, Kansas. Jim graduated from Norcatur High School, Kansas, in 1961.
Later, he obtained an associate degree from McCook Junior College.
Jim joined the service on October 13, 1964, at Denver, Colorado, and was affectionately called “Homer” by his military comrades. He completed both Basic and AFT at Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA.; Special Forces Medical School at Ft. Sam Houston, TX, and Ft. Bragg, NC; Special Operations and Intelligence School at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, and Ft. Bragg, NC; and the Sergeant Major Academy, Ft. Bliss, TX. Homer became a Green Beret in 1965 and served as a Medical Specialist on the Special Forces A-Team, Operations Sergeant on Special Forces ATeam and taught basic Airborne School and Jump Master Schools.
He served in Thailand 1966-67 and again in 1970-73; served in Vietnam in 1968, Okinawa in 1969, Panama from 1974-1976 and again from 1978-1980. After a 20-year career in the military, Homer retired on November 1, 1984, at Ft. Bragg, NC. While in the service he received a Purple Heart, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), the Thai Parachute Badge with Fourggere, Combat Medical Badge, and the Master Parachute Badge. Jim married Yanis Magaly Rojas of David, Panama at Fort Gulick Canal Zone on May 16, 1980. The couple was blessed with three children, Helena, Maria, and Jaime, all born at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, over the next four years.
After retiring from the army in 1984, Jim and Yanis returned to Danbury, Nebraska and Jim worked for the US Post Office in McCook until he retired again on January 1st, 2004.
Jim enjoyed spending his free time tending to his garden, yard, and flowers. He also loved attending all the events where his grandkids participated, such as wrestling tournaments, school programs, and choir performances. Jim was well-known for his army stories and always had one to share that would go along with any life lesson his friends and family were going through.
Jim was a member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cambridge, Nebraska. He was also a life member of several organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, NRA, DVA, and Special Forces Association.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Fred Helm; and two sisters, Mary Helm and Kathy Brashears; grandson, Jayce Joseph Helm.
Survivors include his wife, Yanis of Cambridge; children, Helena (Brian) Perks of Cambridge, Maria (Derek) Downer of Cambridge, Jaime Helm of Culbertson; grandchildren, Hunter and Colton Perks, Dylan, Leah, and Halle Downer, Bella, Hudson, Kayden, and Madison Helm; siblings, John (Pam) Helm II of Redmond, WA, Mike (Debbie) Helm of Norcatur, KS, Ceanne (Martin) Rinehart of Ogallala, Laurie Helm of St. Joseph, MO; brotherin- law, Hezzy Brashears of Curtis; Uncle Jerry Uerling of McCook; Aunt Ruth Sughroue of Kearney and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be held at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge on February 1, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM. Rosary will be recited on February 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Lockenour Jones Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianola on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 10:30 AM with co-celebrants, Fathers Micheal Houlahan and Ken Wehrs.
Interment will be in the St. Catherine Cemetery of Indianola with Military Honors. Friends may leave online condolences at lockenour.com. In lieu of flowers family asks that memorials given in Jim’s name to be designated to Veteran’s Organization.
