Photo courtesy of Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home - Natchitoches
Jun 26, 1930 - Nov 2, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those who loved and adored Mr. Helire during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal. Isaiah 35:10
Rest in Paradise Sir
Debra & Family Charles
November 06, 2025 | Houston, TX
Our prayers and condolences to the family.
Percy and Janet Charles
November 06, 2025 | Humble, TX | Friend
My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. Uncle Bill is my Dad’s brother (Johnny). May you find comfort in the love and memories you shared, and strength in the support of those around you. Wishing you peace, healing, and gentle days ahead.
Jane Helire
November 06, 2025 | Harvey, LA | Family
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Anne Harris Mcallister
November 05, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of your love one for God will put no more on us then we can bare me.james will never be forgotten for he was a great teacher gardener and person who I have known all my life raised up around him he will be missed .
Min.Annie Mae Grisby
November 04, 2025 | Natchitoches, LA | Neighbor
The Harris Family Dorothy, Judy, Rickey, Ronnie, Darrell, Johnny, Michael, Raymond and Sherry all from Winnfield
Michael Harris
November 03, 2025 | Winnfield, LA | Student
Just wanted to say to the family he was a excellent school teacher in my book he taught 9 of my siblings from Winnfield Louisiana God be with him
Michael Harris
November 03, 2025 | Winnfield, LA | Student
Our WINNFIELD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME staff invites you to join us in offering prayer for the Helire family as they carry out final care decisions for their loved one.
Service celebrating the life and legacy of Mr. Helire will take place at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 391 St. Paul Church Road, Natchez, LA 71456 Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the 2:00 p. m. hour. The casketed remains will lie in state for public visitation from 1:00 p. m. until service time. Interment will follow in the church's cemetery.
Our beloved James William Helire, Sr., was affectionately called by special terms of endearment, "10-4", "PawPaw", "Bill", "Uncle Bill" or "Cap Gun". He was born on June 26, 1930 in Natchitoches Parish in the Bermuda settlement to the parentage of the late Mr. Viosan Helire and Mrs. Hannah Lewis - Helire. James answered the call of God, our father, lord and savior, as he moved from his earthly home to his heavenly home on November 2, 2025 at 7:22pm at Natchitoches Parish Regional Medical Hospital with the love of his life and soulmate Bettie Tomi Anthony. A life well lived and a man well loved, Well Done James, Well Done!
Moreover, James confessed christ and was filled with the HolySpirit at an early age. He was baptized and united with St. Paul Baptist Church in Bermuda, Louisiana under the tutelage of the late and great Rev. Gentry Davis.
Brother James William Helire, Sr. was united with the love of his life and soulmate Bettie Tomi Anthony for over fifty years. His pet name for her was "Bet". Within their union four beautiful children were conceived, two sons and two daughters. This amazing man was an astounding product of the Natchitoches Parish School System. Upon completing his formal years of high school, James enlisted in the United States Army where he became a sergeant and went to combat in the Korean War. After completing his tour of duty, James became a proud graduate of Grambling College attaining his Bachelors of Science degree in Art Education. He also attained a Master's Degree in Education from The Northwestern State University.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Viosan Helire and Hannah Lewis - Helire, his sons James jr. and Darren, his sisters Elories, Helen, Thelma and his brothers Orie, Earl and Lester .
James leaves behind to cherish his memories, his children, Kelvin R. Anthony, Shawn D. Anthony also known as "Banko", Dr. Taiwanna D. Anthony, also known as "Big Gurl", and his baby, Jamie R. Anthony, also known as "Bookie", Lydia, Felicia, Greg, Debra and Wayne. His sisters Lilian, Daisy, Ruth and one brother, Johnny, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Read More