John Helms

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John R. Helms (age 75). John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 21, 2025 from cancer.
No visitation or funeral service will be held per John’s wishes. Condolences may be sent to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com
John was born in Hastings on November 3, 1949 to Ric and Doris (Watson) Helms. John graduated from Hastings High School in 1968 and then attended Central Tech. John married Karen on March 13, 1971. They were blessed with three children Jen, Bryce, and Kirk.
John was a successful clothing buyer for 25 years. For 10 years, he owned his own store, The Workzone. He then became a jailor in Aurora.
He settled into retirement and thoroughly enjoyed it. Beyond his work, John was passionate about woodworking, spending time at the cabin, and going to his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Above all, John cherished his family. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen, daughter Jen (Mike) Worthington and their sons Ethan and Owen, son Bryce Helms and daughter Maggie, son Kirk Helms and daughters Maddie, Jaiden, and Ava, sister-in-law Linda (Bill) Nordskog, sister-in-law Jane Henthorn, nephew John (Sharon) Henthorn and family, nephew Jeff (Sandy) Henthorn and family, niece Julie (Kyle) Brown and family, sister Marilee Jirkovsky and family, nephew Tim Haase and family, niece Amy Morgan and family, special cousin Jane Brommer and family and life-long friends Ed and Jacki Champoux.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sue Hendrickson, brother-in-law Don Hendrickson, parents-in-law Wrex and Janice Henthorn, and brother-in-law Gene Henthorn.