James Helgeson

James D. Helgeson, 79, was born in Montana and died in Montana from non-Covid related health issues. Jim grew up in Baker, Montana. Following graduation from high school in Baker, he and cousin Butch O'Connor went to work for Jim's uncle Norman “Bing” Helgeson, a Las Vegas developer. Jim attended Eastern Montana College, studied architecture at MSU in Bozeman and graduated with a business degree from the U of M in Missoula. During the Vietnam war he enlisted in the US Navy to become a Navy Pilot and served on the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. Jim retired from active duty and served approximately 26-years of combined active and reserve duty, retiring a Commander. Jim married high-school sweetheart Sharon Lee Phebus at St. John's Catholic Church in Baker and they had two sons together (Michael & Patrick). Jim was on duty in Sicily when he received a call that second son (Patrick) was being born and rushed across the world to greet him. Jim, having lost his own father at the age of 10, decided on the tenth birthday of his eldest son (Michael) to resign from active duty so he could focus on having a stable family life as a father, which was difficult with the military requirement to move every 2 years along with deployments that included 6-months of sea duty annually. Serving the country he loved so much was one of his passions. Following active duty military life, Jim pursued his passions for life insurance, financial planning/investments, real estate, business ownership— and helping to serve the needs of his clients. This led him and his family to move back to Montana to open JDH Financial Services— located on Grand Avenue for many decades. Jim was exceptionally disciplined and enjoyed his work always rising to be one the very “top of the top producers” with anything he pursued. He loved putting together creative business deals. Being an entrepreneur and helping his clients were one of Jim's many passions. Most important to Jim's success was his faith in Jesus and the many people who worked with him, and in his office over his many years of business. His tremendous success would have not been possible without the many talented people (too many to name) who played a role in his goals, most recently being his trusted financial assistant Rhonda Peterson. Jim loved the water. From the Baker Lake to the Mediterranean Sea, he loved being on, or near the water. He resided near the water in many places including Coronado, CA, Corpus Christi and Lake Travis, TX, Maine, Virginia Beach, VA, San Clemente, CA, Big Fork, MT, San Jose Del Cabo, Porte Nuevo and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. His California church had an ocean view, and he spent most nights at the San Clemente Pier restaurant always getting his usual calamari. Even in Billings, he made sure to live next to “the ditch.” Ever the optimist, recently while in skilled nursing care, he was trying to book a trip to coastal Mexico. Jim had a fervent passion for following God and enjoyed being part of many men's bible studies here, and in Mexico. Jim loved people and he loved his two sons— and he loved all his extended family members, and many friends he made over his life. Jim was a loving father who attended his kids sporting events and would fish, ski and take his kids on fun trips. Jim recently moved back to Montana with the goal of reconnecting and rekindling friendships, and spending time in the place he loved. Sadly, he passed away one week after his return to Montana. Jim will be missed by those who had the good blessing to learn from, and spend time with him throughout his life. Jim believed in people and he helped anyone who needed a second chance. Jim is preceded in death by his parents (Dan & Betty), his wife Sharon—and too many family members and friends to mention. He is survived by sons Michael & Patrick. Daughter-in-law Julia, granddaughter Emerie. Also brother Ed Helgeson (Sandy and family), Jan L. Helgeson, Kayla, Colton and too many special cousins, family members and friends to mention. A vigil with Divine Mercy Chaplet/Rosary and sharing of memories will take place at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Monday, October 4th at 7pm in Billings. Funeral will be held at Billings St. Thomas Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 5th at 10:00am with immediate burial to follow at Holy Cross Catholic cemetery. Reception to follow burial TBA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a financial gift in Jim's memory to LaVie of Billings, or the Special K Ranch in Columbus MT.