James Helwig

James R. Helwig, 66, of Lee�s Summit, MO passed away on June 23, 2004 at his home. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 28 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. The visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 9-11:00 a.m. in the chapel. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family. James was born on June 18, 1938 to James A. and Clara (Wika) Helwig in South Dakota, where he grew up working on the family farm. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and after serving his tour, he entered the U.S. Naval Reserves. James had owned his own Taco John�s restaurants in Des Moines, IA and Fort Walton Beach, FL for twenty years. He was known by friends and family as the "Polish Prince�. He was such a free spirit and was always full of laughter. James loved to tell stories, and was often compared to J.R. from "Dallas�. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Shirley Helwig; his children, Julie Klahn and son-in-law Michael, Jill Helwig, David Helwig, and Kimberly Lenox and son-in-law Mike; his siblings, Harriet Irany, Arlene Hein, Tom Helwig, Ron Helwig and Cindy Helwig.