James Buckelew Helme ’46

Jim died June 7, 1996, at home in Nashville, Tenn. He had just attended our 50th reunion, where he enjoyed renewing friendships.

A Choate School honors graduate, Jim entered Princeton in the summer of 1942. A premed student, he joined the Marines and became a member of the famous CornellPrinceton wartime contingent, later becoming a first lt. In 1945 he returned to Princeton to graduate in 1947 with honors in biology. Gaining his MD at U. of Washington in 1952, Jim practiced pediatrics in Nashville, and taught at Meharry Medical College. He served as medical director of the Nashville Drug Treatment Center and Tennessee State Prison and Hospital.

A lifelong, avid stamp collector, Jim became a renowned expert on Colombia, Panama, and Canal Zone issues, winning international gold medals for exhibits and publications.

Married to Coleman Douglas in 1952, whom he divorced in 1972, he had four children: Susie, Catherine '78, wife of John Bruestle '78, Martha, and Franklin. Seven grandchildren also survive.

The class extends its sympathy to the family on the loss of our distinguished and loyal classmate.

The Class of 1946