Jim Helling

Jim Helling was a passionate and avid skier who lost his life doing what he loved on March 19, 2011. His spirit rests in a place that was dear to him — Hatcher Pass.

For the past 38 years Jim worked as an environmental engineer in New York, Colorado and Alaska. He called Alaska home for 23 years, fully embracing the Northern way of life. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who spent his time gardening, hunting, fishing, hiking and skiing. He held deep respect and honor for nature’s abundance. Jim is in a heaven where the vegetables are always fresh, the salmon run year-round and the snow is always untracked. His vibrant spirit, authentic love of life and infectious humor touched all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Elaine, and his daughter, Heidi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Loretta, and his brother, Gary.

A celebration of life will begin at 7 p.m., April 4, at Lazy Mountain Bible Church in Palmer. Donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group.

Arrangements were made with Legacy Funeral Home — Kehl’s Palmer Chapel.