James Francis Hellwig Sept. 6, 1931 - June 11, 2009 Resident of Hayward James Francis Hellwig, age 77, passed-away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2009 in Hayward, CA. He was a longtime resident of Hayward, spanning 65 years. Jim was born in Lebanon, MO. After Jim's father was discharged from WWII, the family relocated to California during his high school years. He graduated from St. Elizabeth's High School in 1949, and went on to attend St. Mary's College and U.C. Berkeley. He married Phyllis DeWree on December 27, 1952, after graduating from Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Jim was a Lieutenant in the Army Security Agency during the Korean War. He spent two years in Giessen, Germany. His new bride, Phyllis, followed him to Germany where Jim's eldest daughter Susanne was born. Jim was a Real Estate Broker with Allied Brokers for 35 years. He went on to work at St. Joachim's rectory for 19 years, and retired in 2003. He was a parishioner at St. Joachim Catholic Church for more than 50 years. Jim was a member of St. Vincent de Paul for 25 years. He also held many volunteer positions within the SVDP Society of Alameda County. Jim was an avid Oakland A's fan. He and his wife were season ticket holders and attended many baseball games with their friends. He was a horse racing enthusiast, taking trips with his wife and relatives to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. His horse racing interest also included owning three race horses. Jim loved to travel with his family in the "Land Commander" on adventurous road trips, traveling the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Lake Tahoe was another memorable family favorite vacation spot. To his family, he was also known as "Farmer James", because of his love to grow a vegetable garden. He grew the biggest and the best tomatoes ever. Jim had immediate chemistry with everyone, and made them feel comfortable and part of his life. Jim will be remembered as a beloved husband, treasured father, devoted G'pa & PaPa, brother and Godfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Phyllis; his five children, Susanne, Stephen and wife Darlene, Patricia and husband Sean; Janet and husband Richard, and daughter Mary. Jim was blessed with three grandchildren, Jeffrey, Kathleen and Magdalene. A caring brother to his sisters, Betty Steffe, and Suzie Galloway and husband Doug. Jim was a Godfather to six. He had many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dora Hellwig, and brother-in-law, Al. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm, at Holy Angels Funeral & Cremation Center, 1051 Harder Rd, Hayward, CA 94542. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 10:30 am, at St. Joachim Parish, 21250 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541. A Reception for family and friends will follow the Mass at St. Joachim Hall. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Vincent de Paul of St. Joachim Church in Hayward, CA. Holy Angels Funeral & Cremation Center FD1456 (510) 537-6600
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4 Entries
The Jim (AKA Professor) Hellwig Family,
My deepest condolences
Tony da Costa
January 29, 2010
Dear Patty and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and your Father. I think I met him once many years ago when you were working at Cal State. Peace with you and your family. Sandy Anderson
Sandy Anderson
June 28, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. He was a great man and a dear across the street (Lester Ave) neighbor. He will be truly missed. With love from the Grant family
monica grant
June 21, 2009
If you look up the word "volunteer" in the dictionary, you'll find Jim Hellwig's name right next to it. What a wonderful man of God who showed his committment to his church and community with hours, days, and years of service. I knew him as a fellow Realtor who you count on for his honesty and intergrity.
Demas Lamas
June 21, 2009
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