Robert W. Helms

HELMS Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com The Jacksonville community lost a valuable leader and civic advocate when Bob Helms passed away on November 30, 2011. Bob will always be known for his keen business acumen, wonderful sense of humor, and his ability to befriend, mentor, and help others. Robert William Helms was born March 24, 1947, in Monroe, North Carolina. He received a bachelor's degree in business and psychology from Western Carolina University and later completed the Executive Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Bob joined First Union National Bank in 1969, serving in a variety of positions including city executive for Wilmington and Asheville, North Carolina; regional executive for both the Western and Piedmont regions in North Carolina; and General Bank Executive, First Union, Mid-Atlantic Region. He and his wife Lindsay moved to Jacksonville when Bob became CEO of Wachovia Bank of Florida. He retired in 2007 from that position. Upon relocating, Bob quickly immersed himself in the civic life of Jacksonville. His leadership skills were sought after by many organizations. He served as Chair of the United Way of Northeast Florida and Chair of the Florida Chamber Foundation. He was a member of the board of WJCT-TV Public Broadcasting and a member of the Council of 100. Bob was Chair of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce when Jacksonville hosted the Super Bowl in 2005 and was a member of the Super Bowl Host Committee. Mr. Helms also served on the boards of The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, the Florida State College at Jacksonville Foundation, the University of North Florida Campaign Steering Committee. He was a commissioner on the JEDC and also served on the board of The Community Foundation in Jacksonville. His influence and integrity have impacted Jacksonville for many years. Even after he retired, people sought out his wise counsel and great humor. Bob is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lindsay Daniel Helms; his daughter Dr. Whitney Helms of Wheaton, Maryland; his son Dr. Jonathan Helms, daughter- in-law Dr. Sarah Helms, and grandson Jackson Robert Helms of Durham, North Carolina. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2011, at 10:30 am at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 849 Park Street, Jacksonville, Fl. The service will be officiated by Dr. Stephen Goyer and the Reverend Mr. Bill Hoff. The family suggests donations in memory of Bob to either The Community Foundation of Jacksonville, 245 Riverside Avenue, Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL, 32202 or The Cummer Museum of Art, 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL, 32204. Service arrangements entrusted to Hardage Giddens Edgewood Funeral Home, 729 S. Edgewood, Jacksonville, Florida

Published in the Florida Times-Union from December 3 to December 4, 2011 PrintFollow this Obituary

Follow on Facebook

Get Email Updates

Share with Others