In Memoriam of James Russell Helm

Memorial donations can be made to:

Overfalls Foundation (OMMF), PO Box 413, Lewes, DE 19958

James Russell Helm

September 3, 1925 - January 9, 2010

James Russell Helm, age 84, of Lewes Delaware, formerly of Newark DE, died on January 9, 2010 in Lewes.

Mr. Helm was born on September 3, 1925 in Brooklyn Park, MD, the son of George T. and Vinnie Chappell Helm. He grew up in Marcus Hook, PA. Upon graduating from Ridley Park (PA) High School in 1943, he entered the military and served with the 8th Armored Division of the U. S. Army in Europe during World War II. Returning home, he entered Drexel Institute of Technology, received a BS degree in Chemical Engineering and was subsequently employed by American Viscose Corp. and later the Allied Chemical Corp. In 1957 he married the former Ruth Haering of New Milford, NJ, and the couple moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he was associated with the Standard Oil Co (Ohio). Returning to the east coast in 1968, the remainder of his career was with Getty Oil Company, and subsequently Texaco Oil, at the Delaware City facility. He held Professional Engineer licenses in both Ohio and Delaware.

Mr. Helm was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed traveling, spending days at the beach or, in earlier years, skiing. In retirement he took an interest in local activities, serving for a time on the Board of the Newark Parking Authority and as a docent at Hagley Museum. Having grown up on the shores of the Delaware River as the son of a tug boat captain, he had a life-long interest in the maritime history of the region. After moving to Lewes he became involved with the Lightship Overfalls organization and served as both a docent and worked on restoration with the group known locally as the "Dirty Hands Gang." He was a member of Newark United Methodist Church and, later, Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes.

Mr. Helm was preceded in death by his parents. He will be sorely missed by his wife, Ruth, his daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Thomas Diamond and his granddaughter, Kerri Diamond, all of Souderton, PA; his sisters Loretta Hall of Secane, PA and Ida Barton of Prospect Park, PA; nieces and nephews and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Bethel United Methodist Church, 124 W. Fourth Street, Lewes, with Pastor Fred Duncan officiating. Burial will be private. A memorial reception will immediately follow the service in the Church Hall.

Memorials may be given to the Overfalls Foundation (OMMF), P.O. Box 413, Lewes, DE.

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