James Robert Helmke, 59, of Florence, SC was born on September 5, 1949 at Ft. Bragg, NC and passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2009.

James served in the Army Reserves for six years. He was employed by Safe Harbor, formerly Southeastern Steel of Florence, SC.

He is survived by his father, John H. Helmke, Jr. of Florence, SC; a brother John Helmke and wife Peggy of Taylors, SC; a sister, Margaret Ann Watford and husband Don of Darlington, SC; five nieces, one nephew, two great nieces and three great nephews.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 PM preceding the funeral at 2:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc. in Lumberton, NC with The Reverend Glenn Grant officiating. Interment will be at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton, NC immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 11 S. Boylan Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27606 or West Lumberton Baptist Church Building Fund, 2320 W. 5th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358.