Funeral Costs for John Lewis Helms

On Sunday, April 19, 2020 John "JJ" Lewis Helms, my children's cousin was brutally taken from his friends and family. On Monday he was  identified and his father, John was notified and confirmed his son's identity. No parent should have to bury their child. John adored "JJ" and is completely heart broken. JJ was just 24 years old; he was funny, kind and had an infectious smile. Although he may have had struggled at times, his life had no less value than any other and his loss hurts us tremendously.  The loss of a child regardless of the path their life may have taken is always unbearable. As John says: he was a very very special person.  John has been left to cover the entire cost of JJ's funeral alone. John is an essential worker in a hospital. Due to the pandemic, he is working even longer hours as a custodian cleaning ER rooms but he certainly does not have the means to cover the burial cost of his only son. The day after JJ's funeral, John had to return to work both for financial reasons and knowing he provides an important service during the pandemic .  Any loss of a loved one is difficult. What has made the grieving process especially difficult is the violent nature he was taken from us, how his body was viciously beaten then thrown away in the street like trash and the fact his killer has yet to be caught. JJ was not trash; he was a precious human being very much loved by his father, mother, sisters, aunts, uncle, cousins (including my 2 children), nephew and many friends.  His story has been on the news in Texas, as well as him being featured on Crime Stoppers.

https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/local-news/homicide-investigation-underway-in-archer-county/


Aulds Funeral home has been extremely understanding and accommodating of John's very limited financial means. They allowed him to lay his precious son to rest with only a small down payment. ALL funds donated are solely for the funeral cost (including headstone) and will go straight to Aulds Funeral Home (Archer County, TX) if you would like to donate to them directly, let them know the donation is for the funeral costs of John  "JJ" Lewis Helms...I will update fundraising goals here. Original goal amount was $8,800 but I have updated to reflect amount Aulds received from the Victims Compensation Fund. If you cannot donate of course we understand and any donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please repost and SAY A PRAYER FOR JJ'S SOUL, that he has found the peace and solace that eluded him in life AND FOR JUSTICE, that the person that took him from us repent and face the legal consequences of his actions. Thank you