John David Helms

September 6, 1949 - December 28, 2019

Passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 28, 2019 at his home. John had been diagnosed with cancer in June 2019 and successfully completed surgery and preventative chemotherapy treatment. John was thought to be on his way to a full recovery. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. John was a wonderful, loving husband of 44 years to Kathryn Mihelich-Helms, proud father to three sons David (Gina) Helms, Jason (Corie) Helms, and Jeffrey (Trisha) Helms and grandfather to two grandsons Connor and Matty (David). Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on September 6, 1949 to Joedale and Eileen (Tierney) Helms, John was fortunate to have eight siblings. John is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Tom Helms and Linda Ward. He is survived by siblings Joeleen Pentland of Charlotte, NC, Ron (Bonnie) Helms of Council Bluffs, IA, Geri (Pat) McArthur of Fayetteville, NC, Don Helms of Charlotte, NC, Bill Helms of Okatie, SC, and Bob Helms, Charlotte, NC. After high school, John served in the US Air Force. He then graduated from UNC Charlotte and went on to graduate school at The Ohio State University earning a Master’s Degree in the Social Sciences. John worked as a network manager for the Department of Development for the State of Ohio from 1985 - 2007. As a resident of Dublin, Ohio, John had many wonderful friends and neighbors. Weekend get togethers, boating trips, and laughter filled his life. John loved to have a good time, share laughs, talk, and celebrate with those around him. He was known as the life of the party by many. After retirement in 2007, John and Kathryn re-located to Fort Collins, Colorado. Love of the outdoors propelled John into camping, landscaping, and spending time outside. John and Kathryn truly loved being together with their family, friends, and dogs. He also enjoyed evening cocktails on the deck with the beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. John will be remembered as kind, witty, loving, stubborn, smart, sarcastic, and progressive in his thinking. He was an avid history buff and reader. He was boisterous, playful, argumentative, strong in his convictions and loved a good debate. (Unfortunately all 3 of his sons inherited this trait!) John was gentle, affectionate, and sincere. He was truly one of a kind. A celebration of life will be planned for late spring/early summer 2020 in Colorado for all who hope to come together in honor of John. Join us as we raise a toast to John! (Warning: Be prepared to listen to some Leon Redbone.) In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Animal House Rescue in honor of John Helms. To be sent to 2200 N. Taft Road Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. For more information go to http://animalhousehelp.org.