James Hollen

1922 - 2011

James Robert Hollen

Merritt Island

James Robert Hollen, age 88, passed peacefully into the arms of God on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at Wuesthoff Progressive Care Center in Viera, Florida, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and dementia. Mr. Hollen was born in Hollentown, Pennsylvania on July 20, 1922.

He graduated from Altoona High School in 1940. After graduation Mr. Hollen continued his education by going to night school to learn radio and intercom systems. He was accepted into the Pennsylvania Railroad's (PRR) apprentice program. Before he completed the apprenticeship program he enlisted into the Army Air Corps.

During World War II, he was a tail gunner on bombers and was sent to North Africa and many other areas. After surviving being shot down, he continued serving the nation through the end of the war.

After the war, he resumed his apprenticeship with the PRR and his schooling; he remained with the railroad for ten years. In 1952, Mr. Hollen and his family moved to Miami, FL where he began a new career with Eastern Airlines, he worked his way up from an electrician to the Director, Line Maintenance. During his tenure with Eastern, he received several awards including an FAA award for developing an improved aircraft fuel monitoring system, making a significant contribution to airline safety. After a long and successful career he retired from Eastern Airlines in 1983.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Charlotte, on October 11, 2009; and his brother, Lewis in 2005. Mr. Hollen's survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Bill York of Merritt Island; Mary and Doug Welsh of Middleburg, FL; Nancy and Jeff Palmer of Waldorf, Maryland; grandchildren and spouses, Debbie York, Kelly and Chris Sims, James and Ashley Welsh, Jeffrey Welsh, Robert Cowdin, Kasey Cowdin; great-granddaughter, Carley Ray Sims; sister, Loraine Karle of Altoona, PA; brother, Blair Hollen also of Altoona, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 6th at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home on Merritt Island. There will also be a viewing at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 7th at Grace United Methodist Church on Merritt Island, prior to the funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge immediately following.

Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home on Merritt Island is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Wuesthoff Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 8060 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera, FL 32940.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Wuesthoff Progressive Care Center for the care they provided Mr. Hollen during the last months of his life.