James "Dub" Wesley Helton's Obituary
JAMES (DUB) WESLEY HELTON
September 15, 1941 – January 9th, 2025
James (Dub) Wesley Helton was more than just a name; he was a testament to a life well-lived, marked by service, travel, and a profound love for God and family. On Thursday, January 9th 2025, James (Dub) Wesley Helton passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy for serving in the ministry of helps that will continue to inspire others to serve.
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dub’s early years were filled with curiosity and an insatiable desire to explore the world around him. It didn't take long for his unique talent for fixing things to emerge. Dub had a gift for fixing almost “all things broken”, and creating something new. He received his education at Mark Twain Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, and Central High School, in Tulsa.
At 19, Dub joined the United States Navy, where he served 3 years, and 1 year in the reserves, and was honorably discharged. Returning home from his military service, he began working at North American Aviation where he worked on Lunar Excursions model shuttles, 747 jumbo jets and later becoming an engineer supervisor. Shortly after starting his career at North American Aviation, he married Marilyn Johns, and three children were born to this union. Debra Helton McClain, Dawn Helton, and Derick Helton all of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
While Dub’s professional achievements and handyman skills were impressive, as in life, he weathered some ups and downs, including divorce. With each passing year, he grew stronger, building new relationships and strengthening the bonds of friendships.
Through mutual friends Dub met, and fell in love with Connie Sue VanBrunt, the two married in 1981 growing his family with three step children Karla Driskill, Rachele Millions, and Lance Groenewold. After raising six children between them and working hard to provide for their family, Dub continued to plan for his and Connie's future.
Work hard, “play hard.” Dub and Connie, in their retired years, built a social life and traveling schedule that has taken them to many places such as the Amazon, River Cruises, Costa Rica, and so much more. A year ago, Dub’s health began to fail limiting his and Connie’s travel.
Preceding Dub in death is his mother, Etta Dee Ferguson of Beggs, Oklahoma. His father Raymond Wesley Helton of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and older brother Raymond Dee Helton, of Tulsa. He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Connie Sue Helton. Three children and three stepchildren. Three grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
Though Dub may no longer be with us in person, his spirit lives on in the memories he created and enriched lives. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Emerge Global, a single moms and children support group, mailing address 8263 S Harvard Ave, suite #122, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137, In honor of James (Dub) Helton.
The Helton family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Good Shepherd Hospice team, Abiding Harvest and numerous friends and family for the support, prayers, love they have shown them during this difficult time.
Informal visitation will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 10-7 PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Abiding Harvest (4407 S Olive Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74011)
Interment will follow at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens - Garden of Good Shepherd at 11:30 AM
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