Helen Evelyn James (Stone), 90, slipped peacefully into eternity on September 14, 2026, surrounded by those she loved, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family and a life spent loving and serving others.

Helen was born on April 26, 1936, and grew up in Burlington, Michigan. As a young girl, she would often go into the woods alone with her journal to spend time talking with Jesus. It was the beginning of a faith that would remain deeply rooted throughout her life and become part of the legacy she would one day leave behind.

Around the age of 17, Helen left Burlington and lived in several different places before eventually meeting Harold G. James. The two married and settled in Grand Rapids on Thurston Street, where they built their life and family together. Helen was a faithful and loving wife to Harold throughout their 50 years of marriage.

Throughout her life, Helen worked at the State Hospital in Battle Creek and at the Veterans facility on Monroe in Grand Rapids. She also cared for her brother, Robert Stone. Helen had a servant’s heart, and whether through her work, her church or caring for those she loved, serving others came naturally to her.

Helen was very active at Ambassador Baptist Church, where she served through the food ministry and in the nursery. She was a God-fearing woman who treasured her time alone with her Heavenly Father and faithfully prayed for her family. Her faith was simple and steadfast, summed up by the hand-painted sign that hung in her backyard: “Jesus said it and that settles it.”

Helen stood in awe of God’s creation and found joy in being surrounded by it. She loved tending to her flowers, especially the beautiful hydrangeas that grew in her front yard and the rose bush beside her side door that seemed to welcome you as you entered her home. She tended to her koi pond, fed the squirrels cornbread right from her hand and always had a soft spot for strays. One of those strays was Ginger, a cat who found her way to Helen and, after Harold passed away, became her beloved companion.

Her home became a safe haven for family and, in many ways, for anyone who found their way there. It was a home filled with peace, love and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Her backyard was one of her favorite places to sit with her Bible and do her devotions, or simply spend time with someone she loved.

Helen loved gathering her family together, especially around the holidays. She was the glue that kept the whole family together, creating a place where generations could gather, belong and stay connected. She was an excellent cook, known for her goulash and stuffing at family dinners, cookies during the holidays and the peaches and tomatoes she canned. She enjoyed playing cards, bowling and ceramics, and she carried a personality all her own. Helen would tell you how it was, and those who knew her knew exactly where she stood.

Helen is survived by her children, David (Deborah) Verbeck and Roger Schragg; her grandchildren, Max Schragg, Ray (Jennifer) Verbeck, Alex (Scott) Andrews, Bruce Constant and Jackie (Chris) Cooper; her grandson Troy’s wife, Tasha Briggs; several great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold G. James; her sister, Bethel Verbeck; her brothers, Elwood Stone and Robert Stone; her grandson, Troy Briggs; and her parents, Amanda Stone and “Cub” Grant Stone.

Helen’s life leaves behind the quiet testimony of a woman who loved God deeply, loved her family well and remained faithful through the many seasons of her life.

One of Helen’s favorite passages of Scripture was John 14:2-3, where Jesus speaks of His Father’s house and the place He prepares for those who belong to Him. They were words Helen held close in this life and words that now hold a tender significance for those who loved her.

Helen will be laid to rest on Tuesday, September 22 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Helen’s memory consider making a donation in support of veterans, a community that held a special place in her life.