James HOLMES

1933 - 2022

HOLMES, James Edward "Jimmy" 89, passed away peacefully at home with his family around him on March 26, 2022, following a stroke he suffered earlier in the year. He was predeceased by his parents, Noah and Mary Ella Holmes; and his sons, Jeffrey and Michael. He is survived by his wife of 64 years LuAnn; his children, James Jr. (Brenda), Peter (Kristin) and Jennifer; and five grandchildren, Alea, Isak, Amalie, Danny and Katie. Jimmy was born February 15, 1933, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he was raised to be a southern gentleman. His family, music and sports were the loves of his life. Jimmy was a star at Pine Bluff High School, academically and athletically. He lettered in football, basketball and baseball, and received state honors as a quarterback. Jimmy received football and Navy ROTC scholarships to attend Vanderbilt University, where he received a degree in mechanical engineering. After college he entered the Navy. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station at Barber's Point, in Oahu, Hawaii, where he learned to fly multi-engine airplanes. Oahu was also where he met LuAnn, who was teaching school there. After knowing each only for only six weeks, Jimmy and LuAnn decided they should be married and make a life together. From Hawaii, the family moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Jimmy returned to Vanderbilt University for a law degree, with the loving support of LuAnn. After law school, the family moved to Tampa, Florida, which became their permanent home. Jimmy was in-house counsel for LaMonte Shimberg Builders and then Cone Brothers, which became Florida Mining and Materials and then Moore McCormack. Jimmy enjoyed bluegrass music and taught himself to play the guitar and five-string banjo. He had a warm singing voice and was good enough to be asked to fill in with local groups occasionally. He continued to be active throughout his life, playing tennis and golf well into his 70s. As a coach for his sons' Little League teams, he had two rules: no called third strikes, and no mental mistakes. In the broader sense, this meant you should always give yourself a chance to make something good happen, and you should always be thinking about what you may be asked to do when the occasion arises. Jimmy's work and interests always came second to his time with his family. He showed his love to them in ways too numerous to mention. He will be missed by everyone ever graced with his smile and easy ways. A celebration of his life will be held this summer when all his family can be present. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. National Cremation Society