Charles "Chuck" Jay Helm

Charles “Chuck” Jay Helm, born February 27, 1934, in Galveston, Texas. He left this world peacefully in his sleep on July 22, 2026, in Roseville, California. A gentle departure for a man whose life was marked by motion—a constant dance between the mountains, rivers, and the hearts of those who knew him.

From an early age, Chuck's world moved in rhythm—his mother, a dance teacher, imparted a grace that would shape him in unexpected ways. By the age of three, he began dancing, and by his own telling, that early nimbleness proved instrumental in forging the skier. Throughout his life, he found joy in movement: on the slopes, on the dance floor, and in every endeavor he undertook.

His early years saw him contributing to his family's sporting goods store in Ketchum, Idaho. Chuck finished high school in Salt Lake City, Utah, then pursued studies at the University of Utah while working at Wolfe’s ski department—a passion beginning to take shape.

It was in 1956, at just 21, that Chuck's vision truly took off. In Sacramento, California, he opened Helm of Sun Valley ski shop. That bold leap would echo through the years—serving generations of skiers, nurturing a community, and earning distinction as one of Ski Magazine’s top 50 ski shops in the nation. Chuck could always be found talking about his favorite skier, Ted Ligety, to anyone who would listen, his distinct laugh ringing out across the sales floor and beyond. His joy was infectious; his fairness and steadfast delivery on every promise, legendary.

A master of both work and play, Chuck relished the gifts of every season. Winters found him carving runs at Sun Valley, while summers beckoned with fly fishing in Idaho’s Silver Creek or water skiing on Sacramento’s rivers and lakes. The thrill of the outdoors was matched only by the pleasure he took in sharing these moments with family and friends.

Behind his successes stood the steady support of his beloved wife, Jan. Of all his accomplishments—the accolades, the respected business, the friendships—the one he cherished most was marrying her, with whom he built a legacy of devotion and partnership.

Chuck's impact lives on through those who loved him dearly. He is survived by his loving wife Jan, his daughter Angela Helm-Giles, his sons Brad and Chad Helm, his daughter-in-law Darlene Helm (Brad), and his son-in-law Sam Giles (Angela). His grandchildren—Bryce and Conner Helm (Chad), Brigette and her husband Russell Lorang, and Erik Helm (Brad), Gwennie and Lucy Giles (Angela) and 4 great grandchildren to carry forward his playful spirit, curiosity, and zest for life.

He was a man who met people openly, greeted all with friendliness, and delighted in sharing his passion for skiing with "everyone" he encountered. He always enjoyed driving to the ski shop, when he was retired, to visit his kids. Even now, his laughter echoes in fond memory, undiminished by time.

While the mountains, rivers, and snowy slopes will remain eternal, so too does the legacy of Charles “Chuck” Jay Helm—a man who danced through life, on skis and in spirit.

The family extends their gratitude to all whose lives Chuck touched. He is missed, remembered, and, most of all, celebrated.