James William Helmick

Jim Helmick, 87, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away Sunday, March 24th. Born in Toledo in 1936, Jim was the eldest child of George and Lorna Helmick. In his childhood, Jim loved to visit his many aunts and uncles at the family farm in Swanton, Ohio. A graduate of Macomber High School, he started a family early, while working full-time and attending night school at the University of Toledo College of Engineering. Several years of hard work later, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Jim enjoyed an interesting career, working most of his life for Johns-Manville, first at the research and process development center in Waterville. His work included projects for the development of supersonic transport aircraft, which most notably became the Concorde, and in the development of microfibers for use in the external heat-reducing tiles of NASA's Space Shuttle. Over the course of his career, he was awarded five patents as co-inventor of various process innovations. The relocation of Johns-Manville's research center to Colorado took Jim west, where he met his second wife, Barbara Hueser. Together, over 47 years of a loving marriage, they enjoyed great friends and great adventures. In 2017, they retired to Ohio to be closer to family. Jim enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing miniature golf with his grandchildren, and watching all manner of sports. An inveterate card player, he loved playing with co-workers, friends, family, and at casinos. His last big trip was a memorable one to Lake Tahoe with his son and sons-in-law. Barb predeceased him in 2022. Jim loved and was proud of the accomplishments of his three children, all of whom live in Northwest Ohio: Julie Vitale (husband Jim), Jeff Helmick (wife Karen), and Jennifer Small (husband Chuck). He is also survived by seven loving grandchildren: Sarah Long (husband Matt), Alison Weiss (husband Steve), Gabrielle Carpenter (husband Clint), Hannah, Jeff, and Mallory Small, and Joel Helmick, and three great-grandchildren: Michael, Grace, and Nicholas Long. Jim is also survived by his brothers Chuck (wife Kathy) and Bob Helmick, and many loving nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his sister Janice Knaggs. Interment will be private. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Grove who cared for Jim in his last months. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter, or a charity of the donor's choosing. Please view and sign our guest registry at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

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James William Helmick

August 11, 1936 - March 24, 2024