After a lifetime of dedication to 4-H, Nashport native James R. Helt was recognized for his contributions to the organization at the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals annual conference on October 9, where he was inducted as the newest member of the National 4-H Hall of Fame.
Helt grew up on a farm in Nashport which he and his wife Marlene still own despite living in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, approximately just over an hour away. He graduated from Jefferson High in Dresden as part of the class of 1955. His love of 4-H stems from his childhood. His father, Richard E. Helt, was a Muskingum County 4-H agent from 1923 to 1927 and he spent a number of his younger years in the program. As a young adult, just out of college, Helt continued to contribute to the organization, making a significant impact on youth and his peers not only in Ohio but also on a national level, serving in various roles throughout his 47 years of service to 4-H.
During his career with 4-H, Helt began as an agent in Hamilton and Pickaway counties. Later on, he worked as a state 4-H program leader for Ohio State University Extension at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and served as an Assistant Director for 4-H Youth Development from 1989 until his retirement in 1993. Throughout his years in the role of Assistant Director, 4-H membership increased from 166,000 to 205,000 members. He started two first-time programs including the inner city 4-H programs in Cincinnati and “Youth-at-Risk” programs in Circleville. Additionally, he trained over 2,100 volunteers within six years with a training package that he developed. It is also important to note that the first 4-H Horse Clinic in the area was also developed and run by Helt.
This is not the first time Helt has been recognized for his service to 4-H. He was inducted into the Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame, the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame, and the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame. In addition, he is the recipient of OSU Extension’s Meritorious Service Award.
Following his retirement in the early nineties, Helt extended his contributions through his time spent as a development officer for CFAES and the Ohio 4-H Foundation board of trustees. $30 Million was raised for scholarships, endowment funds, and other youth opportunities during his time in the position. He also played an instrumental part in hosting a fundraising campaign to build the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center located on Ohio State’s Columbus campus where the center-top deck was named in his honor. His dedication to 4-H continued into the new millennium, but his impact on the organization will stand strong for decades to come.
Helt had this to say about being inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame, “It is quite an honor because throughout the years there have not been very many Ohio people inducted into the center. I think I was maybe number three from all of the people that I have worked with throughout the country. But I had a very satisfying and enjoyable experience. And I quote from the little sign that we have in our mud room on the farm “ I can do very little, we can do very much.” (- unknown).”
