James Helminski

October 18, 1942 — January 12, 2024

James Helminski, 81, of Greendale, passed away on Friday January 12, 2024, in Waukesha. He will be dearly missed by MANY friends. Losing him leaves a significant void in the Hales Corners Community. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Rose & Walter Helminski, his brother Melvin sister in law Carol, dear granddaughter Jessica & great grandson Connor. He is remembered by his wife of 59 years Judith, his daughters Karen Helminski, Laura (Tom) Ciesielski & Margie (Don) Doyle; 5 grandchildren Stephanie (Brandon) Dodsworth, Elizabeth Plotzeck, Abigail Ciesielski, David & Kathryn (Katie) Doyle and younger brother Ron (Anita) Helminski. Other "family" includes Larry (Lena) Aumann, pseudo son and oldest "daughter" Mary (Bill) Fischer & all the guys of Ridge Road Retreat. Born in Bay View on October 18, 1942, he attended St. Augustine elementary school where he met friends that would be by his side for 75 years. He was a proud graduate of Bay View High School, Class of 1960, adding more lifelong friends. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy serving 4 years of active duty which included the Cuban Missile Crisis. While in San Diego, Jim met and married Judith Anne Eades on April 18, 1964. Jim proudly worked for IBM for 32 years. While proud of his career and accomplishments, his biggest joy was found in the dear friends he met along the way, mostly also named Jim, which continued to this day. He was heavily involved in the Hales Corners community; Whitnall Park Rotary Club, American Legion Post 299 and VFW Post 10394. Jim was named Hales Corners VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR in 2012. During his 30 plus years as an active member of Whitnall Park Rotary Club, Jim served as Rotarian president for two terms and worked on many community projects for Hales Corners which included Rotary Pathway at Boerner. Every December at the Whitnall Park Rotary Club Craft Fair Jim was the jolly man himself, Santa. Jim brought smiles to hundreds of children, young and old. He received the "Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow" award for his outstanding contribution to the community. Jim's dedication to community continued as twice Commander for American Legion Post 299. He tirelessly worked on the Hales Corners Veteran Memorial selling "tribute" bricks. Every 4 ^th of July you find Jim with veterans waiving from a blue Thunderbird. His dedication to service, community and veterans continued as Jim served as Post Commander for many years for the VFW Post 10394. Visitation will be held Friday, January 19 from 10AM-12PM at Schramka-Borgwardt Funeral Home 11030 W Forest Home Ave Hales Corners, WI 53130. Service to follow at noon. Burial will be held Thursday, January 25 nd at 1:00 PM at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery 21731 Spring St, Union Grove, WI 53182 In lieu of flowers, memorials to either Whitnall Park Rotary or VFW Post 10394 are appreciated.

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