James Helderman

James "J.D." Helderman, 64, of Whitewater died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born June 29, 1949, in Cape Girardeau, to Aaron Frank and Mildred Williams Helderman. He and Carolyn Herwig were married July 20, 1975, in St. Louis.

J.D. was a graduate of Delta High School. He was a farmer and carpenter in the Whitewater area. He was a member of Cape Bible Chapel and was an avid fisherman and hunter.

He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Bronze and Silver Star and the Award of the Air Medal. He was also an inductee to the Wall of Valor in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Helderman of Whitewater; mother, Mildred Helderman of Whitewater; a daughter, April (Matt) Kibble of Jackson; three brothers, John Helderman and Junior (Marybeth) Helderman of Whitewater and Jeff (Tina) Helderman of Gordonville; four sisters, Joyce Helderman and Mary (Johnnie) Livingston of Whitewater, Janelle (Mike) McCrite of Olive Branch, Ill., and Ann (Ron) Nance of Whitewater; and 18 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Aaron Helderman.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the chapel, with the Rev. James Green officiating. Burial will be in Stroderville Cemetery in Whitewater, with full military honors by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to Cape Bible Chapel Missions.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.