John Russell “Jack” Hjelm Sr., 88, passed away on January 10, 2018, at the Community Hospice House, in Merrimack, NH, from complications after suffering a stroke. He was born on September 13, 1929 in Worcester, MA, to Russell and Edna (Tobin) Hjelm.

Jack grew up on Harlow Street, in Worcester, and loved sharing stories of his time there with family, and friends. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from January 1951 to December 1954, and was attached to the 509th Bomber Squadron (SAC) during the Korean War. While stationed at Dow Air Force Base, in Bangor, Maine, he met the love of his life and lifelong partner, Gladys Horton. They were married in York, Maine, on July 25th 1953, and were together 64 years at the time of his death.

He was a hard worker who graduated from East Coast Aero Technical School, in 1962 and was certified as an aviation master mechanic. During the same time, he was also employed at Harr Ford, as a master auto body man for many years until opening his own auto body shop with his son John Jr., working there until his retirement at 72. He loved reading about historical events, western movies, country music, and tinkering on projects. He enjoyed going to yard sales, and finding antique treasures. One of his favorite places to vacation was along the coast of Maine, with his wife Gladys.

John was predeceased by two sisters, Louise (Hjelm) Voellings and Mary (Hjelm) Sargentelli. He is survived by his wife, Gladys of Oxford, Ma; his son, John Jr., (Carrie) Hjelm of West Brookfield, Ma; daughter, Susan (Stephan) Dodd of Apopka, FL; and son David (Suzanne) Hjelm of Belmont, NH; a brother, Dr. James W. Hjelm, and three sisters, Madelyn DeSalvio, Martha Watson, and Donna Dion. He was the proud grandpa of eight grandchildren; Jessica (Hjelm) Reynolds, Rachelle (Hjelm) Walker, Nathan Hjelm; Jacob, Stephan, and Michael Dodd; Sarah (Hjelm) Robinson, and Benjamin Hjelm; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours at the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn, on Tuesday January 16, 2018 from 5 – 8pm. A prayer service will be held on Wednesday January 17, 2018 at 10:00am in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton MA. In honor of John, and his service, memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.