James J. Holland

James Joseph Holland, a lifelong resident of Malden, MA, passed away Wednesday, September 17th, at Tufts Medical Center Boston, at age 77.

Jim was the beloved husband, partner and best friend of Maureen (Buckley) Holland of Malden, MA. Together they shared a loving marriage of 44 years, and built a beautiful life and family together. He was the proud and loving father of Jill Holland of Lynnfield, MA; Michael Holland and his wife Gina (Aretusi) of Malden, MA; Dr. Cristin Holland and her partner Joe Morrissey of New York, NY; and James Holland II and his wife Heather (Whisple) of North Reading, MA. He was a devoted Papa to Gianna, Mikayla, Logan and Vivian Holland. He is also survived by his extended family: sister-in-law Patricia Buckley; brothers-in-law David Rourke of Stoneham, MA, Steven Buckley and wife Monica of Chelmsford, MA, Timothy Buckley and wife Cathy of Wakefield, MA, and Thomas Buckley and wife Julie of Saugus, MA; eleven nieces and nephews and their families; and Betty (Foreman) Holland of Lynnfield, MA, mother of Jill and Michael.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Marguerite (Coulter) Holland, his siblings George, Dennis, and Margaret Holland, and his sister-in-law Sandra (Buckley) Rourke.

Jim was a dedicated community leader and public servant, with over 40 years of service as a police officer. He started his police career at the Melrose Police Department, and then transferred to the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) Police Department, before coming to the Malden Police Department in 1975 where he remained for 38 years. His time at Malden PD culminated with his three-year term as Chief of Police before retiring in 2013.
Jim's service to the City of Malden extended beyond his duties as a police officer. He was a devoted member of the Malden School Committee for 20 years, and, more recently, had been serving on the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee since 2021. In addition to all of his community work in Malden, Jim also served on the board of directors in the Balmoral Community in Moultonborough, NH, for 17 years, where he had a summer home.

Jim was a die hard Boston Celtics Basketball fan, loved the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. He channeled his love of baseball into coaching for the Malden Babe Ruth League, starting as a Division II coach for the Otters and after two years was asked to take over the Pilots team in Division 1. He continued to coach the Pilots for many years, eventually coaching the team with both of his sons.

Jim was also a licensed electrician, having graduated in 1968 from both Malden High School and Malden Vocational High School with two diplomas. He was extremely handy and there wasn't anything he couldn't do when it came to carpentry, plumbing & electricity.

Jim especially cherished every moment he spent with his family. Whether it be on family vacations, at his kids sporting events, the endless dance recitals, or just hanging out at home, Jim's greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and the people he loved. He loved to take care of those around him. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to help family or friends. Many have been recipients of his compassion, generosity, and love. He'll be remembered for his kind and humorous personality. He will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation at Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St., Malden, MA, on Wednesday, September 24th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Thursday September 25th at 10:00 AM, with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Jim's memory to:

Blood Cancer United (previously Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)

Blood Cancer United, Donor Services

PO Box 98011

Washington, DC 20090-8011

https://givenow.bloodcancerunited.org/campaign/717321/donate

Cape Ann Animal Aid

4 Paws Lane

Gloucester , MA 01930

https://www.capeannanimalaid.org/donate.html