James Martin "Jim" Helke

James Martin “Jim” Helke, 95, of Spartanburg, SC passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025. He was born in Highland Park, IL on March 1, 1930 to the late Ben and Rose Hart Helke, and was the husband of Genevieve “Jen” Nikolai Helke for 50 years.

Jim lived a life shaped by devotion, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around him. He proudly served in the United States Navy, spending memorable years in Italy and in the submarine service. His time in the Navy was not only a duty fulfilled, but one of the defining experiences of his life.

Following his service, Jim carried his strong work ethic into the construction industry, managing repair parts inventories with Allis-Chalmers and Ingersoll Rand. His path later led him to become the owner of Helke’s Cheese Shoppe and to become one of the earliest UPS consolidation centers—ventures that reflected both his versatility and his willingness to embrace new challenges.

A gifted handyman and meticulous craftsman, Jim found joy in caring for his home and in taking on projects that others might shy away from. There was truly no task he would not attempt, and he approached each one with pride, creativity, and an eager spirit. His workshop was his sanctuary, especially when he was at his lathe shaping wood into something beautiful and enduring.

Jim’s love of travel carried him across landscapes near and far. He delighted in long drives, cruises, and train journeys, especially to the Finger Lakes, Maine, Yellowstone, Canadian Rockies, and Alaska. His journeys with Jen for her work took him even farther, giving him the gift of seeing the world through both adventure and companionship.

A connoisseur of life’s finer pleasures, Jim enjoyed good food, good wine, and the comfortable escape of a well-written mystery novel. He never missed an opportunity to try a new restaurant, savor a new flavor, or share a conversation with those around him. Social, adventurous, and always engaged with life, he welcomed people with warmth and made friends wherever he went.

Above all, Jim was loving. He was deeply devoted to his family and to those fortunate enough to be counted as family in his heart. He never failed to say “I Love You” to Jen and attributed that to the success of his marriage. His life was marked by generosity, loyalty, and a steady affection that lifted the lives of those he held dear.

Jim was a faithful member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and a proud 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Along with his wife, Jen Helke, Jim is survived by his daughter, Shari Helke Hrabec, and granddaughter, Tara Helke Roberts (Ken). He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Betty Helke.

Visitation will be 9:30 AM on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at St. Paul the Apostle Historic Catholic Church. Memorial Mass will follow at 10:00 AM, conducted by Father David R. Whitman.

Burial will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

In memory of Jim, contributions may be made to

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Building Fund, 161 N Dean Street, Spartanburg, SC 29301

LemonAid Fund, 490 Lincoln Ave West, Highland Park, IL 60035. LemonAid Fund was founded by Dr. Nancy Peddle, the daughter of Jim’s closest high school buddy. The website is lemonaidfund.org and contains a wealth of information on their mission.