James Martin Helbig, 78, passed away on June 14, 2023 at Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire.

He was born December 2, 1944 to Martin and Lillian Helbig.

Jim spent much of his childhood in Turtle Lake working on his family farm and attending Turtle Lake School. In 8th Grade he moved to Cumberland and graduated from CHS in 1963.

Jim joined the Army immediately following high school in 1963 and was stationed in Germany as a Radar Technician during the Vietnam War. While in the Army, he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and expert in rifle. He was honorably discharged in 1966. Jim attended IT training and went on to work for a variety of companies including IBM as an Electronics Technician. On July 16, 1988 he was married to his beautiful bride Joleen and they spent nearly 35 years together. He was a jack of all trades, but much of his time was spent helping to raise his 4 children. He loved attending any event that involved his children. He also assisted Joleen with the National Day of Prayer and worked closely with the Recovery Groups at Shell Lake Full Gospel.

Jim will be remembered for the love he had for his family, friends, country and God. He enjoyed hunting, the Packers, playing cards, and spending time with his family and friends. He spent his life serving others and sharing his victory over alcoholism with anyone who would listen. He credits God's sustaining grace for setting him free and allowing him to live as long as he did.

1 Timothy 6:12: "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

Jim is survived by his wife Joleen Helbig of Cumberland; daughter Joyanna (Nick) Nelson of Rice Lake, 3 sons, Josiah (Anna) Helbig of New Berlin; Jonathon (Brienne) Helbig of Pleasant Prairie; Jonah (Ashley) Helbig of Spooner. Granddaughter Lily Nelson. Sister Judith Gerhardt of Golden Valley, MN. Brother Steve (Susan) Helbig of Denver, CO.

He was preceded in death by his father Martin Helbig, mother Lillian Hegg, step-father Robert Hegg and brother-in-law Donald Gerhardt.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 11 AM at Shell Lake Full Gospel Church, with Pastor Regan Meyers officiating. Visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery with military honors at 2:45 p.m.

Last Update: Jun 18, 2023 1:34 pm CDT