James Helm

James C. Helm, 93, of Keystone Villa at Fleetwood, passed away Monday, August 14, 2017 at 9:55 pm in Manor Care Health Services, Muhlenberg Township. He was the husband of Anita M. (Dry) Helm. Born in Lancaster, Mr. Helm was the son of the late Paul and Edith (Moore) Helm. He formerly resided in Lancaster, Allentown, Oley Hills and Muhlenberg Township. He was a 1941 graduate of McCaskey High School in Lancaster and received his Bachelor of Science degree in education from Millersville University in 1948 and received his Master's degree in Education from Penn State University in 1952. Mr. Helm was a teacher at Harrison Morton Junior High School in Allentown for 23 years, until 1971. Afterwards, he was a field staff UNISERVE representative with the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), retiring in January 1986. He was president of the Allentown Education Association, 1967-1969. He served in the United States Army during WWII, in the Military Police, serving in England and France. During retirement, he was treasurer of both Region II and the Lehigh County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR). He enjoyed Phillies baseball, Penn State football, camping, bowling and woodworking. In addition to his wife, Mr. Helm is survived by his son David J. Helm, husband of Ellen Bertman of Hamilton, New Jersey and his daughter Martha J. Bergman, wife of William E. Bergman of Blandon and his grandchildren Zachary Helm; Lillian Helm; Benjamin Chapman, husband of Elizabeth Chapman; Daniel Chapman; Sarah Bergman and Elizabeth Bergman.

Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held in Forest Hills Memorial Park, 391 West Neversink Road, Exeter Township, Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 11:00 am. Reverend Wayne Heintzelman will officiate. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice in memory of Mr. James C. Helm. Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home, 444 North 9th Street, Reading is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.whelanschwartz.com