Former Fair Haven Nauvoo Grill manager, James Hellings, passed away on April 10. He was 48.

A service is set for today, Wednesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank.

Known as a foodie and lover of nature, music, art and animal welfare, James was born in England to Brian and the late Ann (Rule) Hellings.

In addition to managing Nauvoo, James was the manager of House of Coffee in Red Bank. There, he met his former wife, Melanie, who paid tribute to him on Facebook recently.

“He loved everything that had to do with gardens and gardening. He had a bright green thumb and knew every species of plants and how to nurture and grow them.

“James loved listening to music and going to concerts and festivals and played instruments as a hobby. He loved art and encouraged outsider artists with his support. James was practically a lifelong vegetarian and believed in the rights of animal welfare. He loved nature and getting outdoors and had many hikes in Hartshorne Woods through his life. He absolutely loved food! He loved eating it and making it and even kept a food journal to write about vegetarian meals that he had while dining out. He was a foodie before it was a thing!

“He loved making big meals for all of his friends. If he ate, you ate. He made sure that all of his friends were fed. He had a very generous heart and a gentle and kind spirit. He loved his homeland of England and watching and following Chelsea football … James will be forever in our hearts.” 

Melanie Stewart

James is survived by: his son, James Alex Hellings; his father, Brian Hellings; siblings, Caroline Hellings and her husband Dave Begert, Mark, Joanne, Charles and Sarah Hellings; and nieces, Hailey Begert Hellings and Anna Coffman and nephew Matthew Begert Hellings.

RIP, James. You are remembered.