Plenty of spunk: Nonagenarian enjoys wheels
Staff reporter
He's caught the eye of Marionites, toodling around town in his sharp little buggy.
Ninety-year-old Jim Helfer gave up his big set of wheels for something a little more manageable.
"My girls wanted me to quit driving," said Jim. So he gave up his license and looked for other means of transportation.
The scooter was purchased to accommodate his desire to remain active and socialize.
Jim's wife Doris is a resident at St. Luke Living Center and Jim finds himself with a lot of time on his hands. Riding his scooter from his apartment at Hilltop Manor to the downtown district for meals gives him something to do with his time, plenty of fresh air, and a new perspective.
"Doris never let me in the kitchen so I never learned to cook," he said. He eats each of his three daily meals at one of the downtown restaurants.
Recently a seat belt was installed on his scooter to make his ride safer.
"I have solid rubber tires," Jim said. "I don't have to worry about a flat tire but it makes for a bumpy ride."
Navigating city sidewalks also has been a challenge. He thinks he has it figured out.
"I can tell you the best and worst sidewalks," Jim said with a chuckle.
The scooter can go up to 10 mph but he's not sure it really goes that fast. A topper with a removable plastic wrap keeps Jim safe from the elements. A hat protects his head and face from the sun.
He said he plans to ride until November or the first snow fall.
With each return trip home, Jim plugs in his scooter to assure a sufficient charge for his next outing.
Daughters Vicki Hoffer and Judi Burkett provide transportation to doctor's appointments and out-of-town outings. Neighbor Bob Ecthenacher also provides rides when necessary.
Diabetes has limited circulation in his legs and the aging process makes his reflexes a little slow but otherwise he's in good health.
"I've been a cancer survivor for three years," said Jim. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer, had treatments, and goes for check-ups every three months.
Jim was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y. He met his wife Doris on a blind date 62 years ago.
"It was a good date," he said with a smile.
He served six years in the Air Force in Oklahoma and moved to Newton. For more than 30 years, he was a partner in a car dealership.
Jim and Doris moved in 1987 to Marion County Lake. When the house became too much to take care of, they moved to Marion.
An independent man, Jim does appreciate his family and friends and everything they do for him.
"My sons-in-law go out of their way to help me," he said. "I couldn't be luckier."
