Rev. James A. Holup

Reverend James Andrew Holup, age 92, entered into eternal life on December 6, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Fr. Jim was born on May 8, 1933, in Ford City, PA, to Stephen and Anna Marie (Tomek) Holup. His formation to the priesthood began in his earlier years while going through his elementary education at Saint Hedwig Catholic School in Toledo, OH. He was influenced by his uncle, Reverend Roger Holup, to attend St. Procopious Abbey through High School and College in Lisle, IL. He then went on to attend St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD. Fr. Jim was ordained on May 30,1959 at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, IL. He celebrated his first mass at St. Mary's Parish, in Toledo, OH, May 31,1959 on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Fr. Jim's First Assignment was to serve as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph's Parish in Downers Grove, IL. He then served as Pastor of St. Margaret Mary's Parish in Herscher, IL and St. James Parish in Irwin, IL. He then went on to serve as Pastor at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ashkum, IL and St. John The Baptist in L'Erable, IL.

Fr. Jim, a devout, faithful Catholic priest for 66 years loved his priesthood, and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He led many pilgrimages to Medjugorje, and offered years of monthly "Medjugorje Nights" at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. During his priesthood, Fr. Holup established Eucharistic Adoration, led prayer devotions, including novenas, parish missions and many retreats. He was a priest for the people, always inspiring, evangelizing and offering prayers for everyone he met.

Fr. Holup was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Anna Marie (Tomek) Holup, his brothers, Edward and Louis Holup, his sisters, Patricia (Holup) Martin and Maryann (DeArmond) Heidelberg. He is survived by his sisters, Dolores Murphy, Carol (Bill) Koback, cousins including Rosemary Tammarine, and many loving nieces, nephews, many friends and several prayer groups he belonged to. A special thank you to his caregivers, and for their loving care.

Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. Toledo, Ohio 43614 on Thursday, December 11, from 2:00-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Little Flower Church. The Funeral will be live streamed via this link: https://youtube.com/live/j0TxXm4gV-Y?feature=share

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave a condolence message for the family at CoyleFuneralHome.com.