James A. Hollomon III

1944 - 2025

James (Jim) A. Hollomon, III

July 9, 1944 - December 7, 2025

James "Jim" Arthur Hollomon, III, 81, of Hickory, entered into the loving arms of his Lord on December 7, 2025, after a prolonged and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born on July 9, 1944, in Wilmington, NC, Jim's life was marked by devotion to family, steadfast faith, and an unwavering commitment to hard work and service.

The son of the late James Arthur Hollomon, Jr. and Zenobia Brown Hollomon, Jim was raised with the values of integrity, perseverance, and compassion that guided him throughout his life. He began college at UNC Chapel Hill, studying in the School of Pharmacy from 1962 to 1966, and later earned a degree in Economics from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1973.

After college, Jim answered the call to serve his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1971, with duty stations including St. Louis, Missouri, and Okinawa, Japan. When his military service concluded, he began a distinguished 45-year career in the furniture industry, working in representation and sales across the United States with companies such as Classic Leather, Vanguard, Henredon, Southwood Reproductions, and later serving as vice president and part-owner of Westchester Leather, vice president of Sumter Cabinet, and a national sales manager for SICO America.

On June 15, 1968, Jim married the love of his life, Terri Stiller, beginning a marriage of more than five decades built on mutual devotion, partnership, and unwavering support. He worked long hours and traveled extensively to provide a stable, secure, and loving life for Terri and their son, James.

Jim was deeply involved in his church and community. A longtime member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Hickory, he was active in the Methodist Men and the Core Sunday School Class and spent many years in the cast of the "Living Last Supper," expressing both his faith and his love of fellowship. In the wider community, he participated in the Hickory Rotary Club, where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as an officer in the Hickory Jaycees.

Those who knew Jim remember him as a man who never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Known for his corny jokes, easy smile, and genuine interest in people, he formed lifelong friendships that he treasured deeply. Generous to a fault, he was always ready to lend a hand or stand beside those he loved, and he faced every challenge with determination, refusing to give up even as his memory began to fade.

Jim's interests reflected his curious mind and joyful spirit. He was an avid reader who especially enjoyed political intrigue and legal mysteries. He embraced computers and technology as tools for learning and connection. He also took pride in his cars and was known for washing and detailing them every weekend he was home.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter. He is survived by his devoted wife, Terri; son, James; daughter-in-law, Anne-Marie; and his beloved grandchildren, Kahlan and Rowan, who brought him immense joy and pride. His family, along with many friends and colleagues, will remember him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, loyal friend, and a man whose kindness, humor, and steadfast character left a lasting imprint on every life he touched.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at St. Luke's UMC in Hickory from 2 to 3 p.m. in the church parlor. To celebrate Jim's life, a memorial service with military honors will follow at 3 p.m. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, condolences, and support and invites friends and loved ones to honor his memory by sharing stories, acts of kindness, and the laughter he so loved to inspire.

Memorials may be made to St. Luke's UMC, 52 16th Ave. N.W., Hickory, N.C. 28601.