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Jim leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and cherished memories.

Jim Darren Helms, 61, of Wicksburg, Alabama, went to be with his Lord on August 15, 2026, after passing away peacefully at his home.

Jim was a devoted son, beloved father, and loyal friend who leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and cherished memories with his family and friends.

Born June 9, 1965, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Jimmy Lamax Helms and Elizabeth Clements Helms, Jim grew up in Enterprise and graduated from Enterprise High School in 1983. After earning an A.S. degree from Troy State University, he began a dedicated career with the Fort Rucker Fire Department, where he served for more than 30 years before retiring. Not ready to give up serving his community, Jim started his own landscaping business. Later, wanting to remain involved with the people and community around him, he became the groundskeeper at the Dothan Botanical Gardens, where he continued doing what came naturally to him, working hard, helping others, and taking pride in caring for something he loved. Known as a gentle giant, Jim was passionate about staying healthy, hunting, and spending quality time with his 13-year-old schnauzer, Sadie. He was also a gifted handyman who could fix almost anything and was always happy to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. Jim took special care of his mother, Elizabeth, whom he loved deeply. He treasured the routine of spending every Sunday possible with her, attending church together and taking her to lunch afterward. He took great pride in caring for her yard and home so that she could enjoy life with as few worries as possible. His love for his mother was evident in the countless ways he looked after her and made sure she was cared for. But Jim’s greatest love by far was his daughter, Kellan, the light of his eyes and the warmth of his heart. He became a big kid at Christmas and looked forward to hanging lights and decorating the house for Kellan’s visits. One of their favorite memories was a surprise snowfall when they made snow angels and built snowmen together. They shared a special Christmas tradition of watching his favorite movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, while waiting for Santa to arrive. Whatever Jim was doing around the house, he tried to include Kellan, creating the simple, lasting memories that she will carry with her always.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Lamax Helms, and his maternal grandmother, Margaret Copeland.

He is survived by his daughter, Kellan Helms of Malone, Florida; his mother, Elizabeth Clements Smith of Ozark, Alabama; the mother of his daughter, Gina Helms; stepsister, Melinda Yu (Chang); stepbrother, David Smith (Tracy); as well as other extended family and many friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, with Reverend Marty Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow in Pilgrim Home Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Dothan Botanical Gardens, 5130 Headland Ave., Dothan, AL 36303.

Jim’s life was defined not by what he had, but by what he gave, his time, his strength, his kindness, and most of all, his love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know him.