James Arnold Helms

James Arnold Helms of 5100 Sharon Road, Charlotte, died on October 29, 2016 after a period of declining health. Arnold was born on November 6, 1919 in Charlotte, the son of William Frank Helms and Jesse Sistare Helms. He was a member of St. John’s Baptist Church for 70 years.

Arnold was preceded by his wife of 66 years, Catherine Beattie Helms, and is survived by his two daughters and son, Terry Helms DeVita (Pete) of Wilmington, NC, Phyllis Helms Wright (Rick) of Wilmington, NC, and Gary A. Helms (Marianne) of Charlotte, He has four grandsons (Matthew, Christopher, Michael, and Jack), three granddaughters (Cynthia, Alexandra, and Catherine), and four great grandsons (Joshua, Caleb, Levi and Thayne). Additionally, he was pre-deceased by one brother Minor Frank Helms and two sisters Helen Helms Hoffman and Mary Doris Helms Brecht .

Arnold graduated from Oakhurst high school in 1937 and from Geyer Business College in 1939. He honorably served his country in the US Army during the World War II. Arnold retired from Old Dominion Box Company in 1986 after more than 46 years of service.

He was an avid golfer and was also a self- taught musician. He played the banjo, guitar, and piano. He and his brother formed a band in the 30's called the Maui Whalers. He and his father and brother built a "crude" nine hole golf course on pasture land adjacent to their house and as a right hander Arnold learned to play left handed because that was the only set of clubs that his left handed father provided them with. He later switched back to the right!

He lived the last 8 years of his life in the Sharon Towers retirement community where he made many friends and most importantly met Dottie Broadnax his dearest and closest kindred spirit, confidant and advocate.

Arnold’s family would like to thank the staff of Sharon Towers for the kind and loving care he received while there.

A service celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 1:30 PM, St. John's’ Baptist Church (Chapel), 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte NC 28204 with Reverend Martha Dixon Kearse officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church after the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in Mr. Helms’ memory to Hospice, Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204; St. John’s Baptist Church 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte 28204 or Sharon Towers 5100 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.