Helen H. James, 92, passed away November 30, 2025 as the music of her favorite and requested song, the Hallelujah Chorus, filled the room.

Born July 25, 1933 in Benton TN, Helen's life touched every life with whom she came in contact. Helen was the owner of James Tax Service in Etowah, TN that was established in 1967 and continues until this day. She was an advocate for her clients in the tax field. She was an avid reader which made her knowledgeable in defending those in distress by writing letters to the top authorities at the Internal Revenue Service as well as to the President of the United States on behalf of her clients. She was instrumental in her defense regarding the 1967 Supreme Court case United States v. Correll that established the primary precedent regarding deductible travel expenses around 1970.

Helen's unwavering faith guided her life and her positive attitude in stance against all the trials she incurred and stood as an example to her children. Her strong values were passed on to her children and her biblical knowledge not only inspired her family to dig deep in the word but also the young people that she taught in the College and Career Class at First Baptist Church for 20 years. She was an excellent cook and showed God's love by inviting those same young people to gather at her house for Sunday dinner. This usually was dinner and a show featuring Ed and Helen for those that knew them.

She excelled in her studies at the Cadek Conservator of Music in Chattanooga TN and used her talent at the piano in playing for others including organizations such as the Rotary club, nursing homes, her church home as well as the Assisted Living Facility she resided in. She also was a member of a church ensemble and was gifted in singing as well.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Ed James; her parents, Wallace and Kathleen Higgins; and her brother, Neil Higgins.

She is survived by her son, Perry James (Violet); her daughter, Cindy James; her granddaughter, Sara Kaufman (Jared); her great-grandchildren, Kylie, Titus, and Josiah; her sister, Faye Chamberlain; nephews and families, John (Heather) Chamberlain, and Chuck (Jackie) Chamberlain.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in the chapel of Bordwine funeral Home with Dr. Harold Hunter officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service.

Interment will follow the service in Green Hill Cemetery.

Jason Brock, Jason Wilson, Bobby Farris, Don Barker, John Chamberlain and Byron Goodman will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Larry Ode Lanning.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Gideons, Trinity Crusades for Christ, PO Box 487, Etowah, TN, and the Joy of Music School, 1209 Euclid Ave NW, Knoxville, TN 37921.