Darby James Helms passed away at his home in Cascade, Idaho on April 21,2015 surrounded by family and close friends. He was born on April 19, 1948 in Prineville, OR to Glenn and Irene (Higgens) Helms. He attended schools in Crook County, graduating from Crook County High School in 1966. He enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. During his lifetime, he worked at many different jobs in Prineville and Burns, OR; Winnemucca, NV and Cascade, ID. The job that he enjoyed the most was working as a Sergeant for the Valley County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Department. During his 13 years with the Sheriff’s Dept., he and the Valley County Marine Deputies were assigned to a security detail and personally met President George W. Bush and his wife Laura while they were vacationing at Tamarack Resort in Idaho. He was also involved with Valley County in numerous search and rescue efforts and was the Assistant Fire Chief with the Volunteer Fire Dept. After retiring from the Sheriff’s Dept. he worked security for Tamarack Resort. In 1981,while living in Winnemucca, NV he met and married his soul mate and life partner, Chickee Laca.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Perry Helms. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Chickee (Laca) Helms of Cascade, ID; son Travis Helms of Prineville, OR; daughter Shauna (Steve) Del Soldato of Winnemucca, NV; grandson Justin Del Soldato, granddaughters Dakota and Jill Helms; sisters Robyn (Dave) Baker of Bend, OR and Rachel (Rich) Carver of Terrebonne, OR; brother Dennis (Rene) Helms of Prineville, OR, sister-in-law Karla Westfall of Winnemucca, NV, nephews Steve (Sheri) Baker of Bend, OR; Quentin (Katlyn) Helms of Humbolt, IA; Bobby and Danny Westfall of Glendale, AZ and numerous cousins, and very special friends, Joe, Kellie and William Fleck.
No services will be held. Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of McCall, Idaho or any Hospice organization of your choice. Cards and letters may be sent to his family at PO Box 148, Cascade, ID 83611.
