Obituary for JAMES THEODORE HELITON

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Services
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
10:00 am
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
Rev. R. Castle, Pastor

Viewing
Monday, September 7, 2020
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wells Chapel
811 Woods Street

Burial
Ft. Sill National Cemetery
Elgin, OK
1:00 pm

James T. Heliton Sr., age 76, of Wichita Falls, Texas gained his heavenly wings on Monday, August 31, 2020 at Hospice of Wichita Falls.

On September 18, 1943, a cry of a soon to be king was heard as the doctors delivered a healthy baby boy to Charles and Roberta Heliton in Edinburg, Texas. While growing up, James attended public school in Edinburg where he graduated in 1961. James was an incredible and well known athlete where he excelled in basketball and baseball. According to several of his teammates, he was of Major League caliber. He was a part of the 1958 Edinburg Pony League All-Star team that was rated as one of the sixteen best teams in; Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, and the continental U.S.A. Upon hearing of his death, his teammates bragged about James (T-Bone) giving the first loss to the only pitcher to ever record a perfect game in the Little League World Series of 1957. Making this victory much sweeter, James pitched five innings, hit two home runs, and produced three RBI’s of that same game. This game still holds the record in the Little League World Series to this present day. In 1966, James was drafted by the United States Air Force where he served as an aircraft mechanic. Mr. Heliton married a lovely lady by the name of Rita in June of 1967 and continued serving as he fought in the Vietnam War. Three years later, the couple welcomed a healthy baby boy James Theodore Heliton, Jr., his namesake. Throughout his service to the United States Air Force, he earned multiple awards and military honors, decorations, medals, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons (VSM w/4 BSS, RVCM, AFOUA SOG-428, AFCM SOG-779, HQ 13th AF, AFLSA 17Jan70, AFCGM 17 Jan 66 - 16 Jan 69). His service took him all over the world including such countries as Germany, Spain, and Vietnam. He settled down in Wichita Falls, Texas where he retired after serving 23 years. After retirement, James became a civil service worker for Lockheed as an aircraft mechanic. It was during this time that he married his current, loving wife, Johnnye on July of 1991. His favorite fur buddy, Max was always by his side.

James Sr. accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age where he was a faithful member of Lily of the Valley Baptist Church. He joined Shiloh Baptist Church with his last membership being with Pilgrim Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, TX under the leadership of the late Rev. Everett. On Monday, August 31, 2020, James heard the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” and entered one of the twelve gates of Heaven. He walked the streets of gold to his eternal mansion where he was greeted by those who preceded him in death; Charlie Coleman Heliton and Roberta Hines-Heliton (parents), brothers; Ollie Lee Heliton, Charles Heliton, R.C. Heliton, Roland Heliton, Nathaniel Heliton, and Thomas Heliton, and sisters; Bertha Fowler-Heliton, Katherine Bryant, and Pearlie Heliton.

Heliton Sr. leaves to cherish his memories; a loving wife, Johnnye, a son, James T. Heliton Jr.; stepchildren; Shelia Calhoun, Michael Calhoun, Sherry Griffin (Don, and Anthony Calhoun (Shannan), two loving sisters; Doris Dowdy and Viola Jackson (Charles Ray), two Sisters-in-law; Joyce Gould (Tommy), Etta Antoine (Mike), three brothers-in-law; Robert Jones (Patsy), Lonnie Jones (Marva), Daniel(deceased)(Pat) Jones and Carl Jones (Rosiland); step grandchildren; Kari, Sydney, Kendall,Deudra, Summer, Sparkle, Asia, A’nya, Trenazah, Michael Jr., and Dominique a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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