Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1957
DIED
2010
FUNERAL HOME
John Holliday Obituary
In Loving Memory, we celebrate the life of John D. Holliday who passed away at his home.
John was born in Los Angeles on June 5, 1957 to John H. Holliday and Mary A. Smiley. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1976 and was the owner and operator of the family business, Lil' John's Complete Yard Cleanup & Tree Service. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed everything from hunting to bowling. He had an extreme passion for cars. He supported our local Ventura College basketball teams and was a loyal Lakers fan. John loved his family and was very proud of his daughter. After 50 years of his life he came to know Christ and found a wonderful church family at Ventura Missionary Church. He was baptized in October of 2009.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary A. Smiley, and his father, John H. Holliday. John is survived by his daughter, April Kocka, husband Brian; son, Brian Holliday; brothers, Tim Holliday, wife Kay, Dave Stankewicz; sister, Rita George; nephews, Danny Holliday, Ryan Holliday and Lucas Cantoni; niece, Collette; and many more relatives and friends. John will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Ave., Ventura. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.tedmayrfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ventura Missionary Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Holliday
Virginia Simons
January 4, 2011
I was so sad and shocked to hear of John's passing. He'd been my "tree guy" for years and I considered him a friend. We had great chats while he was performing his magic on the trees in my yard. I will miss him so very much. My sincere condolences to the family.
Sandi Choura
January 1, 2011
You will always be remembered as a kind person and a wonderful father.
Teresa Meehan
January 1, 2011
To the Holliday Family - my sympathy and prayers go out to you. John was a great man and we were shocked to hear of his passing.
Lori Wentling-Gates
January 1, 2011
To the Holliday Family,I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of John. God Bless
Don and Jean Williams
December 31, 2010
We extend our deepest sympathy to John's family. His deep voice, his broad smile that opened up conversation without any hesitation. He, and Don, enjoyed talking about fast and pretty cars. We knew him over many years as he expertly kept our trees in control. We were shocked to hear of his death and grieve for his loss.
Mike Van Scoy
December 31, 2010
I've only known John around 3 years; he trimmed our bottlebrush in the backyard and was just here about 3 weeks ago. I was so shocked when I happened to spot his picture in the obituaries. After just meeting John, I'd felt like I'd known him for a long time, he was that personable. My sympathy to his family and many friends.
Cynthia DeMode
December 31, 2010
I am remembering beloved John, and his parents John Holliday and Mary Smiley. We were next door neighbors on Cardigan Avenue for over thirty years. My prayers go out to you Tim.
May His Memory Be For A Blessing.
Cynthia (Kelly) DeMode Brickman
Joe Erickson
December 31, 2010
The All Star league lost one of it's most popular bowlers. John always had a smile on his face and a warm greeting for everyone. We're going to miss you John.
Bobetta Douglas
December 30, 2010
I am saddened to hear of John's passing. I went to high school with John and he was always so nice. Glad to know he had found a relationship with God so I can look forward to another reunion with him in heaven.
Nick & Nita Perkins
December 30, 2010
John had done work for us for several years and we always knew we were getting a good job and a fair price. John was
always interesting to talk to and he especially liked talking car stuff with my husband. I know he will be missed by many and our trees and hilsides will never look as good.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his
family especially his daughter.
Joe Garza
December 30, 2010
I always considered John a good friend and he will be sorely missed. My most heartfelt condolences to the family.
Kathleen Hughes
December 30, 2010
I am very sad to hear this news. I have been friends with John through my brother during high school and beyond. He helped me very generously with a Yucca tree that did not want to go away. Giving up on it was not in his nature. You will be missed my friend.
Diane Coe
December 30, 2010
John was a great friend to my husband Scott and I for 20+ years. We so enjoyed knowing him and will miss him always. Rest in peace my friend.
Glen & Mike Aalbers
December 30, 2010
Wow. It is still hard to believe that John is gone. We have known him from bowling - he and our son Dave are good friends - and for some time, he has done trimming around our home and others in our Mobile Home Park. Everyone is shocked and saddened at his passing. What a great, low-key, talkative-about-anything person. We will truly miss John. Glen & Mike Aalbers
December 30, 2010
John, how you will be missed. What a delightful person you were. Enjoyed bowling alongside you. It will never be the same, no more,"Hi, bowl good". You had an avid love of the Ventura College basket ball games, men's and women's. Everyone at VC has been devestaded by your absence.Rest in peace my friend.
Beverly White, Buena Bowling Buddy
Jennifer and Mike Lawrence
December 30, 2010
We were shocked and saddened to find John's face looking back at us from the VCStar obituary yesterday morning. John had for many years, trimmed our Flowering Pear Tree. He was a true artist. I remember the first time I called Lil John's Tree trimming service, requesting an estimate. Lil John, who was probably the tallest drink of water I had ever seen, showed up at our gate to give me the estimate. I had to laugh,little he was not. We will miss Lil John,as will our Flowering Pear. John was just a very nice man. He had a good heart and a gentle soul. He was a hard worker,who took great pride in his craft and it showed. He always did a great job.
My sincerest sympathies to the family. May God Bless you during this time of sorrow.
Rich Sanders
December 29, 2010
I will miss you John. you were always a great help and the conversations were a great part of our rare meetings... you are a true mensch.
Linda Brown
December 29, 2010
We haven't known John very long, but he was a kind, honest and very friendly man. I'm sure he will be greatly missed by many.
Linda and Ike Brown, Ventura
Rob Moss
December 29, 2010
I will remember John as a kind, generous, and magnetic person. Both in and out of the bowling alley, he is my friend...now and always. You will be missed by many, John.
Pam Seligman
December 29, 2010
This was a man who shined from within and was filled with the Holy spirit. He exuded kindness and gentleness. He opened his heart to others easily. My son, Adam (15), whom John partnered with as the senior bowler to Adam's junior status at Buena for 9 pin no tap is devastated. He allowed Adam to text him at any time for anything. He became Adam's mentor in life and in bowling. Adam would get upset at himself when bowling and run to the other end of the bowling alley for comfort and support. Or sometimes John would just ease on down to Adam's end of the bowling alley to watch him bowl. Adam's face would light up when he turned around and saw John standing there quietly watching. Adam would run up to him just to stand next to him. When I told Adam of John's passing last night, the first thing he said was... "That's why he didn't answer my text." Adam had been texting him the past week about his youth tournament in Vegas. He couldn't understand why John had not gotten back to him as he always did. As Adam's mom, I am so very happy that God chose John as a spirit-filled mentor for Adam--even though it was for a short time. And am very sad that God has chosen to call John home so early in life. There are so few really great men to help our boys along the way become strong men. We will miss you John; but will see you soon in heaven Love the Seligmans (Newbury Park, Ca)
Harry Maynard
December 29, 2010
I'll miss Lil' John, not only in my Avocado tree using his exprtise in trimming but for his great good natured conversation. I think he told me he was diabetic like I am. I was just going to call him for the Spring trim of our Peach , Lime, Grapefruit, and Avocado tress. H will be missed, GOD BLESS Harry l. Maynard
December 29, 2010
John did a lot of work for us and I got to know him personally. I was so glad when he told me of his acceptance of God. Now I know where I can find him in the afterlife. Gary Bates 340 Walnut Dr. Ventura, ca
Joel Chaffee
December 28, 2010
You will be missed my friend.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in John Holliday's name
Memorial Events
for John Holliday
Funeral services provided by:
Perez Family Funeral Home - Ventura3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Holliday's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
