HELM, Jay Lewis

Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona) Wednesday, January 11, 2024, p. A-4 Jay Lewis Helm (83) died Jan. 11, 2024 at Banner Desert Medical Center. He never fully recovered after contracting COVID 19 in 2022. Jay leaves behind an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to have shared his life. He was born on Oct. 4, 1940 in Corning, Mo., attended primary and secondary school in Wausa, Neb., and college in Omaha, Neb. He completed his AA degree at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Ariz. Jay served in the Army reserve for 6 years. He always had a full supply of jokes and anecdotes. He was an affable gentleman who appreciated each person, whether pauper or prince, which made him well suited to his primary career of several decades in guest ranches all over the country. He later worked in the insurance industry, at Community Bank of Arizona, and retired from Wells Fargo Bank. Jay loved playing golf and was an award-winning skeet shooter and an instructor of both. More than anything, he loved to travel, having seen all of the states as well as many destinations in North America, Europe and the Caribbean. Like the song, Jay felt he "...Was Born Under a Wand'rin' Star." He was preceded in death by his mother, Opal Swanson; father, John Helm; step-father, Floyd Swanson; brother-in-law, Paul Riley; grandson, Dillon Donka; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia (Patty) Helm; stepsons, David (Dave) Russell and Frederick (Fred) Russell and his wife, Denise; sister, Helen Riley; brother-in-kaw, John Hammerstrom and his wife, Diane Marshall; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. A gathering of family was held in his home in Mesa, AZ following his death. No services are pending. Donations in his name could be sent to Shriner's Children's, Ducks Unlimited, or your favorite charity.