MOHAWK – Mr. James R. “Jim” Helmer, Sr., age 81, a longtime Mohawk resident, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2016, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer, surrounded by the love and devotion of his family at his bedside. Born on June 22, 1935, James was the son of the late Robert James and Alice Ida (Green) Helmer. He was raised and educated locally and attended Proctor High School. On January 26, 1952, Jim was wed to the former Fern L. Wilson, and on that day the young couple committed to a lifetime of togetherness. For almost sixty-five years, they shared an inseparable love and commitment. From an early age, Jim knew that he would have to work hard to support his young family, and he spent his life making sure that his wife and children were always provided for. He worked for Keene Aluminum, Mohawk Valley Aluminum, as well as for General Electric. He then branched out as the owner and operator of the Helmer Construction Company and Helmer’s Realty Company. Jim was an amazingly talented woodworker and craftsman, and was one of the best within his trade. When not working, he could be found camping and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Baptist faith. Jim leaves a large and beautiful family to carry on his legacy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Fern; his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Michael Weller, of Ilion; his sons, James R. Helmer, Jr., of Mohawk, and Francis D. Helmer; his grandchildren, Jackie and Jim Kelly, Tenna Broadbent, Scott Helmer, Jamie and Kirk Hilts, Francis Helmer, Jr., Amber Helmer, Jean Helmer, Susan Helmer, Darren Helmer, Andrew Helmer, Lionel Weller, and Shawn Steinburg; his great-grandchildren, Caroline Kelly, James Kelly, Jenna Broadbent, Logan Walker, Devin Walker, Alex Helmer, Victoria Helmer, Brynlee Helmer, Madeline Helmer, Hayden Hilts, Emalyn Hilts, Brett Hilts, and Joey Helmer. He also leaves his brother, Kenneth Helmer; his half-brother, Harold Moss; his stepsisters, Beverly Moreau and Florence Treen; his in-laws, Shirley and Walt Bereza, Charles Wilson, and Richard Hadcock; as well as two aunts, Betty and Lucia Helmer; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Predeceased loved ones include Jim’s sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Darrel Wells; daughter-in-law, Karen Helmer; his stepbrother, Howard Moss; his stepsister, Almira Price; his sister-in-law, Betty Helmer; his in-laws, Mildred Wilson, William and Shirley Wilson, Elizabeth Hadcock, Mary Myers, Mary Wilson, Bertha Eysamen, Richard Wilson, and Seymour Wilson; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eva and William Wilson. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Jim’s calling hours, which will take place on Thursday, August 4, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s original location at 102 West Street, Ilion (315-895-7722). Jim’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday, August 4, 2016, at the funeral home on 102 West St., Ilion, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation, with Sister Mary Jo Tallman, Parish Life Director, at Blessed Sacrament Church, officiating. Those wishing to do so are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413, or to the National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Jim, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com. Jim’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to his longtime friend and Funeral Director, Don Applegate and Funeral Director, Martin L. Ciaccia.