James Helmke

James Calvin Helmke, 85 years old, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many, was called to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 21, 2024. He entered this world on August 10, 1938, born to Lillian and Henry Helmke, in Baton Rouge, LA. James honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was an avid golfer and lover of all sports. He was a member of the board of directors and a deacon of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Baker, LA for decades. He was a coach and a board member of the Baker Little League and Baker Civic Club for many years. He had a beloved companion, his Shitz su, named Snowman. Outings and vacation with family was a favorite past-time along with playing cards. His greatest life goals was making sure his kids didn't go without spiritually, physically and emotionally, which he accomplished with success.

James is survived by his daughters, Lynelle Clair Meadows (James) and Tracy Lea Kallies (Mark); sons, Jeffory Wayne Helmke (Kurtal) and Jason Dane Helmke (Cindy); grandchildren, Joshua Meadows, Lindsey Oosterveld (Tim), Mark Kallies, Jr. (Kristy), WO1 Catlin Kallies, Jessica Helmke, Jared Helmke, Jake Helmke, and Jana Helmke; great-grandchildren, Gavyn Meadows, Bailey Oosterveld, Jemma Meadows, Ryker Meadows, Alexander Kallies, Samantha Kallies, and Allison Helmke; sisters in-law, Carolyn Barcelona Helmke and Claire Louis Cockerham Parish; and a host of nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Constance Osbourne Helmke; father, Henry Michael Helmke; mother, Lillian Sevier Helmke; brothers, Henry "Michael" Helmke and Donald E. Helmke; and sisters, Shirley Johnson Gremillion and Beverly Helmke Phenix.

Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons, Joshua Brandon Meadows, Mark Bruce Kallies, Jr., WO1 Catlin James Kallies, Jake Ryan Helmke, Jared Scott Helmke; and great-grandson, Gavyn James Meadows.

Honorary pallbearers will be his life-long friend and neighbor, Thomas Dunn and Justin Phelps.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, LA on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM until the funeral service at 12:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Ken Brown with Bridgeway Hospice. The interment service with military honors will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, in Baker, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bridgeway Hospice, 4333 American Way, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his nurse, Kasey.