William James ‘Jim’ Helmick

Jim was born Saturday, Oct. 5, 1946, in Elkins, a son of the late Jean G. Meader and grandson of Valentine Graziani and Mary Bertini Graziani.

He married the former Carole Jean Tierney. They recently celebrated 52 years of marriage.

Also left to cherish his memory are two children, Brian J. Helmick and fiance, Tonya Winans, of Huttonsville, and Melissa “Moe” McCoy and husband, John, of Morgantown.

He was blessed to have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who loved him as their Papaw, Sierra Montanye and husband, Taylor, of Prince George, Virginia, Bradly Helmick of Buckhannon, Cooper and Jack McCoy of Morgantown, Bailey and Kyser Montanye; and one brother, David Meader of Elkins.

Jim attended the schools of Randolph County and then proudly served his country for 30 years in the United States Army and retired from the WV Army National Guard 201st Field Artillery Regiment. While in the service he obtained his GED. Jim served in Vietnam and then Desert Storm. During his tour in Desert Storm his battalion entered Saudi Arabia, then moved into Iraq and then Kuwait. He had been employed as a shop supervisor for the WV Department of Highways for 27 years. He enjoyed working on cars and used to drag race in his younger years. Jim was a lifetime member of HW Daniels Post 29, American Legion, and Tygart Valley Post 3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge 1135. Jim was Methodist by faith.

Jim’s request for cremation will be honored and a memorial service will be planned in the spring.

Following the memorial service interment will take place in American Legion’s Little Arlington Cemetery, where members of HW Daniels Post 29, American Legion, Tygart Valley Post 3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the WV Honor Guard will conduct full military honors.

The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements for William James “Jim” Helmick.

Send online condolences to the family at www.therandolphfuneralhome.com.