ATLANTIC BEACH, NC — Dawn Marie (James) Helms, 56, was born in Scranton, PA where her mom and dad were born. Dawn lived her first twelve years as a military child, moving every few years. Finally, her dad was stationed at West Milton Navy Base and Saratoga Springs became her “home town.” (He later died at age 41 from Radiation Exposure Leukemia.) Dawn was a “daddy’s” girl!
She graduated from Saratoga High School. Dawn most recently lived in Harker’s Island, North Carolina. She had many friends in Saratoga Springs but so loved the ocean, “her place of peace” and deep sea fishing and photography on the sandy beaches. Her family asks that you keep Dawn in prayer. She loved life and was the light in the room.
Dawn died in her sleep on March 1, 2024 while visiting a friend in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. She had been troubled with cardiac issues for several years, but never let the issues hold her back from living life to its extremes. Dawn leaves her three daughters Cassandra, Alyssa and Savannah. She loved her children fiercely and was an amazing mom.
Her brothers Timothy M James, Saratoga Springs, Matthew B James, Estacada, Oregon who claims his sister’s artistic talents were what inspired him in his own art studies, her mom, Johanna Wasalinko (James), Saratoga Springs, her dear aunties, Maryann, Liz, and Susan and their families, plus nieces, nephews and cousins. And a thousand friends!
She was also predeceased by her father David R “Skip” James and her baby sister Jennifer L James.
