James Louis "Buster" Helmes

James "Buster" Louis Helmes, age 70, of Ringgold, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Buster was a longtime resident of Ringgold and a devoted member of Harmony Baptist Church in LaFayette, Georgia, where he faithfully served as the groundskeeper. He proudly served his country in the United States Air National Guard, cherishing the many places and experiences his service provided.
A man of many talents, Buster earned a second-degree black belt from United Karate Studio and was an avid hunter who loved the outdoors. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather-a man of steadfast faith who never missed an opportunity to share the love of the Lord with others.
Buster was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gladys Waters Helmes; infant son, James Louis Helmes; sister, Shurea Helmes; infant grandson, James Robert Helmes; granddaughter, Baylee Marie Helmes; grandmother, Mary Carol Helmes; and maternal grandparents, Edger and Aileen Waters.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Mary Helmes; children, April (Danny) Reeves, Chip (Vanessa) Helmes, and Ben (Lisa) Helmes; brothers, Eddie (Shannon) Helmes, Scott (Melissa) Helmes, and Lynn (Karen) Helmes; grandchildren, Alyssa (Dylan) Groover, Zayne Helmes, Riley (Stephen) Tyrrell, and Jasper Reeves; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Wren Tyrrell; nieces and nephews, Heather Lewis, David Dowden, Adam Helmes, and many other extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, in the chapel of Wilson Funeral Homes, Wallis–Stewart Chapel, with Pastor Nathan Poteet and Preacher Danny Reeves officiating. An online guestbook is available at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes Wallis – Stewart Chapel, Ringgold, Georgia.