Jimmie C. Helmick

Jimmie C. Helmick, 87, of Valley St., Salem departed this life on Monday, October 7, 2013 in Mon. General Hospital, Morgantown.

He was born on June 13, 1926 in Harrison County, a son of the late O.L. and Rosa Bates Helmick. Twice married he was preceded in death by his first wife Gwendolyn Kathryn Ford Helmick on December 27, 1989. On September 25, 1993 he married Haroldene Kimball Glaspell Helmick who survives.

Also surviving is one daughter, Penny Ash and husband, Victor, Salem; two sons, Richard "Rick" Helmick and wife, Ann, Huntsville, AL. David Helmick and wife, Linda, Williamsburg, VA; six grandchildren, Richard A. Helmick II, Jeremy Gibbs, Michael K. Helmick, Jamie L. Lavin, Tammy R. Lewis and Traci J. Wilson; twelve great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Jim was a native of Salem. He graduated from Salem High School and joined the U. S. Navy serving his country with honor in WWII aboard the USS Texas Lassie. He had worked for Helmick Motors, Salem and was retired from the U.S. Postal Service with 24 years of service.

As a citizen volunteer, Jim worked most of his adult life for civic improvement. He was a charter and founding member of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for which he served numerous terms as president, treasurer and board member. While president of the Chamber, Jim worked tirelessly in the planning and development of Salem Depot Park, the construction of the Depot community stage and pavilion and the restoration of Salem Depot.

He was an active member of the Salem Lions Club and held the office of president and director numerous times. He received the Leonard Jarrett Award for distinguished service for sight and hearing from the West Virginia Lions Sight Conservation Foundation and was designated a Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services by Lions Club International Foundation. Jim was a charter member and director of the Salem Sportsmen's Lake Association and belonged to the Salem Hunt Club. Jim was a long time member of Salem Baptist Church where he was a trustee for many years and served on numerous boards.

Jim was currently serving on the Board of Directors of Cornerstone Bank, the Board of Directors of the North Bend Rails to Trails Foundation for which he spearheaded the development of the Rails for Trails in the Salem area. Jim was also a member of the Salem Apple Butter Committee.

Funeral services will be conducted in the Harbert Funeral Home 287 W. Main St. Salem on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Joel Harpold and Pastor David Carpenter presiding. Interment will follow in the Christian Church Cemetery, Center Point. Full Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Combined Doddridge County Veterans Organizations. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 2-8PM.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the North Bend Rails for Trails Foundation or the Salem Lions Club.


Harbert Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Helmick family.

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