Obituary of James Helton

James "Jim" Riley Helton, 78, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2013 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a brief and courageous battle with Leukemia. He lived in Kingsport most of his life and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. Jim worked most of his career at Mason Dixon Trucking and Holston Defense Corporation, retiring in 1996. He was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church and faithfully attended Sunnyside Baptist Church. He actively spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song from 1961 to present. Jim spent the last 26 years singing with Pleasant News fulfilling his testimony found in Psalms 104:33, " I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." James was preceded in death by his parents, William McKinley and Maggie Helton; his brother, Bill Helton and a son-in-law, Frank Baker. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of more than 56 years, Shelby Cook Helton; daughter, Angie Baker; son, David Helton; daughter-in-law, JoElla Helton; grandchildren, Lydia and Heath Helton; sisters, Sue Blackwell, Dorothy Emerson, and Jean Rowlett; brother-in-law, Rick Cook & wife Pat; along with several nieces, nephews and special friends, Gary Taylor & wife, Linne. The family will receive friends 4-7 pm on Monday, July 1, 2013 at Pleasant View Baptist Church, 2101 Stadium Drive, Kingsport with funeral services beginning at 7 pm with Rev. Ron Cassidy and Dr. Roy Graves, officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Kingsport. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Those desiring may make a memorial contribution in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org or calling 1-800-805-5856. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the family of James Helton.