Doc Hellams
Ranked #232 in Squidoo Community, #33,526 overall | Donates to Friends of the Park
A Tribute To Dr. James Willams Hellams, Sr.
864-934-5883
108 S. Depot St Unit C
PO Box 796
Pendleton SC 29670
Open Mon Wed Fri 8:30 - Noon
2010 marked the 50th year that Dr. James W. Hellams (known simply as "Doc") has given medical treatment to the folks in the Pendleton Area of South Carolina.
He continues to practice medicine working two days a week at the Anderson County Detention Center and now has opened a new office in Pendleton. Doc turned 80 in June 2011 and has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
His new office is n the back of the Pendleton Fire Department Building . If you are on facebook, you can join his fan page where I will be keeping everyone updated. See the link toward the bottom of this page.
Cash Only! No insurance filed but the office will provide our patients with the necessary information to file their own. We will file claims for our Medicare patients and the reimbursement will come directly to the patient from Medicare. Medicare patients will also be expected to pay at the time of service.
Martha will be glad to help you do this. If you have insurance other than Medicare, please call your customer service number or check online for your claim form.
Doc, This Is Your Life!
The Photographs and Information on this page are the property of the Hellams Family and are not to be copied in any way.
This intro photograph was made as part of his being the Medical Director for the Anderson Co Sheriff's Office Detention Center
The Early Years
Little Jimmy Hellams
from Gray Court, South Carolina
Jimmy was the fourth child in a family of five with one older brother, two older sisters, and one younger sister. He was born in the family home five miles out of Gray Court. His dad was a farmer and during the depression he had a small grocery store that sold primarily meat that was raised on the farm. His mom stayed at home and worked on the farm and raised their family. Jimmy and all the Hellams children enjoyed dancing at Curry's Lake. He worked every summer packing peaches. In school he enjoyed all sports and also took 5 years of piano lessons.
College and Medical School
Jimmy Hellams Goes To College and Medical School
Jmmy attended Wofford College for one year and then transferred to Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated with a BS in Pre-Med. He was interviewed at the Medical University of South Carolina on July 4, 1952 and three days later was accepted and enrolled in September 1952. He always says that Medical School was the most fun of his educational years. He graduated in 1956 and had a rotating internship at the Medical University Hospitals. He was licensed to practice medicine or surgery in the state of South Carolina.The freshman class at the Medical University (college at that time) were herded into Baruch Auditorium for orientation. When the President of the college came in and stood before them, he said "Welcome to the Medical College. Look to your right. Look to your left. Probably one of you will not be here next year". They were then taken to the Gross Anatomy Lab and it was there that they were divided alphabetically into groups of 4. This group enjoyed being together at their 50th Reunion from MUSC in 2006. Their class marched in the graduation ceremony as the Golden Grads. The MUSC President issued them a Medallion and made the comment that when they were graduating in 1956, he was still in diapers.
Photo: Jim Hellams Class of 56 MUSC
Scenes from the 1956 Class and Golden Grad Graduation Ceremony
Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston SC)
US Air Force
Captain James W. Hellams, US Air Force
While at Holloman Air Force Base, he worked at the hospital on base as well as monitored the EKGs (Heart) on the chimps that were scheduled to go into space. However, there was no way that he could get anywhere near them as they were behind glass doors in somewhat sterile conditions.
After 6 months at Halloman, he was released from Active Duty and was attached to a field hospital while on 20 years of inactive reserve. Upon being released, he practiced medicine in Fountain Inn, SC within 8 miles from where he grew up. He was still known as "Little Jimmy". He made sure that people knew that was no longer his proper name and that was when he became "Doc".
Pendleton SC
Doc to many in Pendleton SC
1960 to present
In May, 1960 Doc came to Pendleton SC to practice with his former Medical College roommate, Charles Griffin. They practiced together for 11 years. During those years, they did OBGYN, Family Practice and Minor Surgery and eventually they set up an out patient delivery office in Pendleton. As far as he knows, they were the first in the area to deliver babies in the office. They both were available for deliveries with one giving the anesthesia and one doing the delivery. It was not uncommon to see over 70 patients a day plus make hospital rounds once a day.After 11 years with partnership practice, he went solo. He saw patients in his home until he moved into the St. Paul's Episcopal Church's Activity Building where he stayed until he built his own office which was located off of Mechanic Street. AnMed now has a family practice in that building.
"Doc" is now seeing his 5th generation of patients.
5th Generation Patients Speak Out For Dr. Hellams
Ethan and Clay Barnette
Click the arrow to watch this video on this page or you can double click the video to be directed to YouTube where it will be larger but be sure to come back to this scroll down page. Thank you.
I have to tell you that these young men brought tears to my eyes.
Family and Friends
Doc Hellams Loves his family and friends
Doc and Nancy were married in 1978 at Pendleton Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy their family and friends and being involved in the Pendleton Community.During his 50 years in Pendleton SC, he has served on the Pendleton Town Council, Member of Pendleton United Methodist Church, Member of Pendleton Historic Foundation, Lifetime Member of Clemson Little Theatre, Member of Pendleton Golf Association (PGA), Delegate to Twin City in Stornoway, Scotland, Graduate of Leadership Pendleton, Member of Pendleton Merchants Guild, Member of Friends of the Park, Volunteer for the building of Barrett's Place Playground, Team Sponsor for Pendleton Recreation Association, First Golf Coach at Pendleton High School, Team Doctor for Pendleton High School Sports for several years, Clemson University IPTAY member since 1960, On site Doctor for the North Stands at Clemson University's Death Valley, and numerous other volunteer activities.
Doc enjoys going to Clemson Tiger Ball Games, playing golf with our grandson, cooking, gardening, reading, eating breakfast at Granny's Grill and Dyar's Diner with friends, meeting friends at The Islander on Friday nights and living life to it's fullest.
Children and Grandson of Dr. James W. Hellams
And Granddogs
Photo by Lynne Parker Photography
"M.D. Means My Daddy" Cross Stitch Made For Us
By My Sister, Joan4
My sister made this cross stitch for us when our son was born. We just love it and it has hung in our Breakfast Nook for 30 years.
An Angel of Pendleton
by Ammons Portrait Studio
About 7 years ago, Ammons Portrait Studio had a window display of the Angels of Pendleton and chose Doc to be one of the Angels. This portrait shows him with our grandson who was about 3 yrs old at the time.
Never A Dull Moment!
Doc Enjoys Fishing!
He even lets me go with him sometime
Doc enjoys Golf
He plays with the PGA (Pendleton Golf Association)
Back in his younger day, Doc was a scratch golfer!
I snapped this picture of him before he left for his Golf Game today!
Shhhhhhh. I got him a new putter for his birthday! His friends were teasing him about his old one.
Doc raises over $1,355 for Veterans Park by participating in the Step Up To The Plate Golf Challenge
and thanks all his friends who sponsored him
Doc is a great cook!
Here are three lenses that I did about his cooking skills.
Doc Hellams Enjoys His Friends and Family
This article appeared in the Spring 2010 Inside AnMed Health Magazine
A Conversation with Dr. James W. Hellams - click the article to go directly to Inside AnMed
My favorite part in this article is Doc's answer to the question about the perks to being in practice in the same town for 50 years. He answered that it was the friends he has made. How wonderful is that! Doc has always known that practicing medicine is about the people and for the people. He always wants his patients to be treated with respect and caring. He also realizes his responsibility to his community and the importance of giving back to a community that has supported him.
Click here to read the article in the Anderson Independent Mail
September 6, 2010
I have also heard that this article appeared in the online version of the Rock Hill Herald and appeared in the Charleston Post and Courier
- Doc Hellams To Be Honored For His 50 Years of Service To Pendleton
- On Tuesday Sept 7, 2010, the Pendleton Town Council will present Doc Hellams with a Proclamation.
- Small Town honors Doc for 50 Years of Service
- The State newspaper printed the article written by CHARMAINE SMITH-MILES - Independent-Mail of Anderson
Mayor Randy Hayes Reads Proclamation
proclaiming September 7, 2010 as Doc Hellams Day in Pendleton SC
Doc Hellams Acceptance Speech
at Pendleton Town Council Meeting on September 7. 2010
You can learn more about our newest family member
by clicking these websites
PGA Tournament Sept 25, 2010 Award Presentations
Doc receives the "Rookie Award" - Pendleton Golf Association
Papa Doc helps grandson with his Science Project
Which cooks fastest? Rib eye or Sirloin Steak
Papa Doc said that the next time, our grandson would have to get his topic approved by him. We had steak for 5 meals while our grandson documented everything to discover that Rib eye cooked faster.
Doc is the 2010 Official Tree Lighter for Pendleton SC
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Pendleton SC
Click photo to go directly to the Pendleton Christmas page to see photos from this year's Tree Lighting Ceremony
Doc Hellams enjoys participating in the Christmas Cantata
at Pendleton United Methodist Church
Doc with Bruno at Pet Smart Puppy School
Bruno graduated December 20, 2010
Doc Hellams with Bruno in the back alley up town in Pendleton
Doc treats his friends with his special Egg Nog
Doc and Nancy are blessed with a wonderful family!
We enjoyed having everyone together for Christmas 2010!
Doc Hellams is one more reason that I love Pendleton SC
Pendleton is a great place to live
Doc's Black Bag
has seen lots of doctoring in the last 50 years
Doc has no desire to get a new bag. This is the only Black Bag that he has ever carried or will carry.
Doc Says Thank You For All Your Kind Comments
2010 Ends In A Bang
Doc took a bad fall on December 29, 2010 breaking his shoulder
Friends and family continue to show their love for Doc with their prayers and good deeds. Thank you, all!
The 29th of December
is a date we will long remember!
Simply told, it goes like this
No frills at all but you'll get the gist
Doc takes Bruno for a walk
Bruno was happy and did not balk
Doc held the leash
and out the door they went
Bruno spotted "orange cat"
and wasn't a gent!
Bruno leaped, Bruno ran
Forgetting the leash was in dad's hand
Doc went flying in the air
Confirming that "Life Ain't Fair"
An ambulance ride and surgery, too
One half Doc's body was black and blue!
Recuperating is not much fun
We'll be glad when this battle is won.
The prayers, the food, the cards and all
Have helped Doc mend from this bad fall
So, Thank you is what we want to say
And to wish you and yours a Wonderful Day!
Doc and Nancy
April 2011 Update: Doc has experienced many medical problems since this fall but is getting stronger every day and looking forward to returning to work when he is able.
August 2011 Update: We opened the new office and Doc is loving practicing medicine again and seeing his patients.
2011
What's Up Doc?
Wally Hampton and Doc Hellams decorate their table for the Spring Brunch Fundraiser
What's Up Doc?
by Wally Hampton
What's up, Doc?
How have you been?
We've all missed you, Doc!
And we (your patients) are waiting to see you again.
We don't feel good
But we know you will make us well!
We hurt here; We hurt there.
But you've got the prescription to help,
Even one to help us grow hair!
We can't wait to see you, Doc!
Back at the office or out at the lake.
We want to chat about old times,
And tell you about...........This Ache!
We want to ask you about the culprit, Bruno,
And to see the picture of his obedience school, you know.
I bet he could use a refresher course,
On just what HEEL means, that little horse.
We're glad you're up and around Doc, and out of your sling.
And we can't wait to get out of this uncomfortable thing!
We're awfully glad you've been here Doc for these 50+ years.
And when we see you on the streets of Pendleton you just might hear us say:
What's Up Doc?
And Have a Great Day!
Note: Wally is the head nurse at the Anderson County Detention Center and read this poem at the Spring Brunch for Doc. Doc enjoys working at the Detention Center with Wally and all the other great folks. Their table for the Spring Brunch was so clever with prescriptions used as place cards, flowers in a stainless steel bed pan, and they even had an IV pole.
See more pictures from the Spring Brunch
A fundraiser for the Step Up To The Plate fundraising campaign
Doc purchases a new Air Force cap at Patriots Point
and wears it proudly
May 16, 2011 - MUSC Class of 56
55th Reunion at California Dreaming in Charleston SC
Doc had received 4 etched MUSC glasses as a congratulations on his 50 yrs in Pendleton from MUSC. He took the 4 glasses and had the names of each of his cadaver partners with "Class of 56" etched on them. One of the 4 has passed away so the three left had a toast to his memory with the glasses.
Happy 80th Birthday, Doc Hellams
Doc's friends at Dyar's Diner wished him a Happy Birthday with a delicious Strawberry Cake
Friends Wish Doc A Happy Birthday at The Islander!
WOW! A wonderful Islander Gift Certificate from Friends!
Facebook Fan Page for Doc Hellams
Join his fan page to keep up to date with this new venture and to wish him success
Facebook Fan box widget may not always appear in the Workshop. Please preview or publish your lens to see the widget.
To: My Friend, My Hubby, My Hero, My Linchpin!
This lens is dedicated
to the one I love!
Do you have a Linchpin?
Seth's book is all about the people we can't live without. The Linchpins. People like Doc Hellams.
I purchased this book for myself and also purchased one for my daughter-in-law who is starting a new job. I predict that LINCHPIN by Seth Godin will be the most talked about book in the workplace in 2010. Have you got your copy? If not, just click the link below and you will be directed to Amazon to make your purchase.
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
Amazon Price: $6.68 (as of 02/14/2012)
Seth Godin is the founder and CEO of Squidoo.com and author of bestselling books such as Purple Cow, Tribes, and The Dip. In Linchpin, Seth Godin challenges the reader to become Indispensable by being creative, going beyond the call of duty, making a difference, and by shutting out your Lizard Brain. He gives the reader much to think about and to act on.
Where are our visitors from?
This map was not added until after this lens had been live for several days.
James W. Hellams, M.D. LLC
108 S. Depot St. Unit C
PO Box 796
Pendleton, SC 29670
864-934-5883
Fax: 864-502-2192
The Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sept 9, 2011 at 8 am
108 S Depot Street in Pendleton SC - in the back of the Fire Department
Office Hrs: Mon Wed and Fri from 8:30 to 12
Call 864-934-5883 for appointment
Cash Only!
Program for The Ribbon Cutting - Dr. Hellams Office
Sept 9, Friday, at 8 am
Tour of New Office
Located in the Pendleton Fire Department Building
Doc unlocking the door on his first day of business in his new office
Candace Gillespie and Peggy Hotchkiss of the Medical University of South Carolina came to Doc's Ribbon Cutting
They presented him with a framed composite of the Class of 56 as well as a picture of himself!
100 % of the Royalties for this lens are donated to FRIENDS OF THE PARK
Would you like to donate, too?
We are a group of concerned citizens interested in making Pendleton SC's Veterans Park the best it can be. We currently have a playground, walking trail, three picnic shelters, a concessions pavilion with restrooms, and three old ballfields.
GUESTBOOK
Thank you for visiting this story of Doc Hellams
Please sign the Guestbook to let him know you were here.
If you are not a member of Squidoo, just choose the option "visitor" when you get ready to type your comment. We both appreciate your visits very much. Thank you.
The field of Medicine has really changed in the past 50 years with all the medical advances. Where do you see the field of medicine in the next 20 years?
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PastorCher
Feb 11, 2012 @ 10:49 am | delete
- What a lovely man. I've enjoyed walking through his story that you told so well. I wonder if my sister knows your family. She's lived in Anderson for many years. Please thank Doc for me for all the years of service he has done in the copmmunity.
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flycatcher
Feb 10, 2012 @ 3:15 pm | delete
- This is an absolutely lovely tribute to a man with just about the greatest smile I've seen. It certainly makes me wish to have the privilege of meeting and knowing "Doc" in person. How lucky you are to have found each other in life!
With blessings like that, you don't really need the blessings of another SquidAngel, but here are mine anyway - *blessed* - with best wishes for many more great years. :)
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cdcraftee
Jan 31, 2012 @ 9:50 pm | delete
- Seriously beautiful lens...congratulations.
Sounds as though you each found the most perfect partner to share your life with...how blessed you are - and obviously know it.
Christine
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Joie Jan 28, 2012 @ 10:55 pm | delete
- What a beautiful tribute to an amazing guy! No wonder everybody loves him!
Congratulations on making the front page!
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KathyT
Jan 28, 2012 @ 10:40 am | delete
- I just had to come back and bless this wonderful tribute now that I've got my wings! :) Hugs! Kath
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Tipi
Jan 26, 2012 @ 1:24 pm | delete
- Returning with a congratulatory front page featured hug and blessing!
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Edutopia
Jan 26, 2012 @ 2:49 am | delete
- Touching lens. It is great to see doctors out there trying to help people any way they can around the onerous medical system we have in this country.
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batsinthebelfry
Jan 25, 2012 @ 3:35 pm | delete
- What abeautiful lens...Thank you so much for sharing it.
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ifuturz
Jan 25, 2012 @ 11:38 am | delete
- Happy Birthday, Doc, and congratulations on your new office. 50 years of 'doctoring' is amazing - as you are.
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Margaret_Schaut
Jan 23, 2012 @ 10:43 am | delete
- I love to hear about folks who have a life well lived. Dr. Hellams has made a great contribution to humanity, and there are so many who are so touched by this man. Beautiful page!
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What is my Pet Name for my Hubby
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Seth Godin, author of Linchpin and founder of Squidoo.com
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Resource Links Associated With Doc Hellams
Learn about the places that Doc has lived and worked
- Town Of Pendleton SC Website
- Pendleton SC is a historic town in upstate South Carolina
- Anderson County Sheriff's Department
- Doc Hellams works as the Medical Director for the Anderson Co Detention Center
- Holloman Air Force Base
- Doc Hellams was stationed at Holloman while in the US Air Force
- Samford University
- Doc Hellams graduated from Samford University in Birmingham Alabama
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Doc Hellams graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1956
- AnMed Health
- Back when Doc first starting practicing in Pendleton, he would drive to Anderson to make hospital rounds at least once a day and often twice a day. The office where he presently works in Pendleton is now owned by AnMed but originally was owned by Doc Hellams.
Who is Ohme?
aka Nancy Hellams
I am the proud wife of James W. Hellams, Sr. and proud to dedicate this, my 100th lens, to the most amazing man I know! I love you, Honey!
by OhMe
According to Seth Godin, a linchpin is someone who we can not live without. Someone who makes a difference. Someone who matters.
Doc Hellams is my linchpin.
I...
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Who Wouldn't Want To Live and Work in Pendleton SC for 50 years or more
It is a great place to be!
This looks like a great read and a great gift for your family doc
Click to purchase or browse around Amazon.com
Doctoring the South: Southern Physicians and Everyday Medicine in the Mid-Nineteenth Century (Studies in Social Medicine)
Amazon Price: $6.03 (as of 02/14/2012)
I am planning on ordering this book and will let you know what I think. It appears to be very interesting.
Doc was raised in Laurens County South Carolina
Click to purchase or to browse around Amazon.com
Laurens County (Images of America: South Carolina)
Amazon Price: $14.29 (as of 02/14/2012)
