Joel "Jack" A. Helms

Joel “Jack” Astor Helms, age 104, of Niceville, Florida passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022.  Jack was born on October 17, 1917, to the parents of James Robert and Audra A. Helms.  He traveled with his family from Blue Springs (Covington County), Alabama in 1922, to settle in Niceville when he was five years old.  He served in World War II  and on return began his career at Eglin Field.  Daddy was an avid golfer.  He loved to catch mullet with a cast net and eat them immediately.  He served in the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons from 1949 to present.  He held the position of Worshipful Master in 1956.  He was the most kind, gentle and generous soul you have ever known.  We children have always felt that we were the luckiest people alive to have been raised by Jack and Gladys Helms.  Daddy loved his five children and supported each of us in his loving, subtle way.  We were absolutely blessed.  He worked hard all of his life.  His motto was “never sit down”.  He was a loyal friend.  Up until his passing, he loved to have breakfast and lunch out with his buddies.  Daddy had a special friend, his name is Bill Wargo.  He was a faithful Christian and loved his Sunday school group.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Willy; his sisters, Myrtie, Ruby, Claris, and Doris.  He is survived by his brothers, Charles Patrick and Morris Carlton; his children, Joel Edward (Terry and Tina). Jacqueline Shaw (Bernie and Greg), Julianne Horner (Horace), Jennifer Mathis (Mike and Paul) and Janie Patrick (Jim); ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at the Church on Bayshore, in Niceville.  A time of visitation will begin at 12:30 pm with the funeral beginning at 2:00 pm.  The interment will take place at Rocky Bayou Cemetery, in Niceville.  Flowers will be received or you may make a donation to a charity of your choice.