John B. Holmes

John B. ''Jack'' Holmes, 89, died November 30 at the Grand View Care Center in Blair, WI. Cause of death was renal failure. A long time resident of the north shore, he was born and raised in Evanston, IL. While attending Evanston High School he life guarded at Wilmette beach. There he courted his childhood sweetheart Betty Paddock who he would marry for 53 years until her death in 1992. After serving in the Navy, he settled down in Wilmette, IL and raised his family of two sons, John and Jim Holmes. As a father and sportsman, he remained active in all forms of athletics in coaching basketball, baseball and track and field. The lit basketball court he built became a legendary gathering place for many of the basketball stars of New Trier, Evanston, and Loyola High Schools. A long time member of the business advertising community, he worked on all sides of the communication field. From Advertising Manager of Hertz Rent-A Car to agency media dirctor to Midwest representative of Product Design & Development magazine, he touched the lives of many people through his generous and caring nature. He managed to blend his love of the outdoors and sports with the business community and became a key figure in associations that encompassed bowling and golf. His fishing trips to Canada with business friends are still remembered today. Jack is survived by one son, John and his sister-in-law Gene Finney of California; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, January 8, at the Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 East Central Road, Arlington Heights, IL.