Johnny Lee Holmes

Johnny Lee Holmes passed away at the age of 68 on November 26, 2025, after a short stay at the Pathways Hospice Care Center in Ft Collins, Colorado. John bravely battled CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and colon cancer over the past four years.

He was born on May 24, 1957, in Ogden, Utah, to Austin Robert Holmes and Enid Lee Holmes. Growing up in Ogden during the sixties, Johnny enjoyed the simple joys of childhood-riding his bike to the neighborhood store, playing in the backyard treehouse, and swimming in the local Ogden River. He cherished special moments like visiting the rock quarry with his dad and listening to Grandma Blanche play the piano. Family meals, such as his mom's home cooking, Grandpa Bob's Swedish dough-gods (dumplings), and Grandma Go Go's carrot pudding, created lasting memories.

In 1971, Johnny's family moved to Jackson, Wyoming, where they established and operated Snake River Park at Hoback Junction. The park offered camping, scenic and white-water float trips, fishing excursions, trail rides and cookouts. Summers saw Johnny guiding float trips down the Snake River, where he commented that his tennis shoes were always wet and he never owned a pair of dry shoes. One memorable trip included guiding a raft with Clint Eastwood and Sondra Locke over the rapids.

Johnny graduated from Jackson Hole High School in 1975 and then attended college in Riverton, WY studying Criminal Justice, but later switched to his passion of Art. He worked with his father and brothers building log homes and occasionally took on the challenge of working in the Wyoming oil fields. Johnny loved riding dirt bikes in the summer, snowmobiles in the winter, and hunting and fishing year-round.

John set his sights on becoming a pilot and learned to fly through the majestic Grand Tetons and navigated the winding Hoback Canyon. (Giving his mother many a fright with his low fly overs). His dream was to move to Alaska and become a bush pilot. There he flew everything from dog teams to oil field employees and groups of youth to sporting events. From about as far north as he could be in Mountain Village, AK. his journey took him south to Jacksonville, FL, where he flew for a Courier service. Eventually he flew cargo planes out of Denver, CO, and El Paso, TX.

In 1991, Johnny met his future wife Debbie Myers, and they were married on September 19, 1992, in Fort Collins, CO. Together they began building their family and future dreams. Knowing that a pilot's life meant many nights away from home, Johnny returned to his passion for artistic woodworking and his family's roots in log construction. He first crafted log furniture in Laporte, CO, and in 1995 moved to Estes Park to establish Holmes Log Works.

Of all his accomplishments, Johnny was most proud of his family.

His son Austin was born in 1995, followed by his daughter Emilee in 1996. Sharing his interests with his children brought him great joy-

making memories camping, boating and ATVing, teaching them target shooting and woodworking skills. It filled John with pride to see Austin win an Art scholarship and then later take over the family log railing business. He was equally proud of Emilee winning an academic scholarship which eventually led to a career in forensic chemistry.

John shared his love for the great outdoors with family trips exploring Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Alaska. He achieved his goal of providing a comfortable mountain home, which is greatly appreciated by his family.

Johnny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Axel and Blanche (Austin) Holmes, Faye and Golda (Locks) Lee; his parents, Austin R. Holmes and Enid Lee Holmes; and his brother, Barney Holmes.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Myers Holmes, and their children, Austin Holmes and Emilee Holmes. Mourning his loss are his brothers, Barry Holmes (Marcia) of Ogden, Utah, and Mike Holmes (Cheryl) of American Fork, Utah, as well as his sisters, Paulette Macfarlane of North Salt Lake, Utah, Jacki Steed of Ogden, Utah, and Sheron Bass (George) of Ogden, Utah. Additionally, his nephew, Kelly Macfarlane of Bountiful, Utah, who maintained a close bond through frequent phone calls over the years.

We will always cherish Johnny's adventurous spirit and unwavering support for those he loved. A private memorial will be attended by his immediate family. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude for the love and support we have received during this time.

Please feel free to make tributes here on this website in honor of Johnny's memory.