Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James HOLL Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James HOLL
Teresa Gockowski
January 3, 2022
I cant believe it has been so many years since Fr. Holl has been gone. Our family still misses you! We have such fond memories. RIP.
Thomas Johnson
December 24, 2020
Father James was was an excellent role model for all Christians and Catholics in particular. Father James was always quick to smile, and had the very best memory for names. Still loved and missed.
James Willmus
July 14, 2020
Father James was one of the greatest human beings that I've had to privilege to know. He was my great uncle through my grandmother, Rita. Many knew him better, but I remember him well and it's an honor to be his namesake. He was there when I was born and always pushed me to seek God through the Catholic church. He was a deep well of philosophy and a heck of a cribbage player. People should count themselves lucky to be even half the human he was. To this day, Rev. James is both fondly remembered and greatly missed by his family.
laura hollingsworth
May 13, 2013
Father Holl was my first grade school principal he will be missed.
Craig David
January 21, 2013
'Reflections' from Fr. Holl's funeral.
Good afternoon everyone.
I would like to begin the reflections on the life of Father Holl with a poem, by Rumi.
THE GUEST HOUSE
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought,
the shame,
the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
Welcome Everyone, Thank you for coming to the celebration of the life of our beloved brother, uncle, friend, pastor, counselor.
On behalf of our family, I wish to express our deepest and heartfelt thanks, to those whose visited Father James during his final illness. I'd especially like to thank those who cared for Father Holl. Thank you Sister Maria Frances. And thanks to all the nuns, nurses, and aides. You are, one and all, shinning examples of kindness and Gods love in the world. I'd also like to thank the priests and celebrants of our Mass today.
It is interesting how one can learn something everyday. The most profound thought that came for me, through my conversations with mom, and the caregivers at the Little Sisters, during Father Jame's last weeks, was that ‘this' is a beautiful experience. The death of a person can be a time to stop, to reflect, to honor and hold dear those we love.
And so, it is with humility and honor that I stand before you today, called upon by my beloved uncle, Fr. James. I'd like to reflect a moment on the person, the flesh and blood person of Fr. James Holl, for after all, he was a human being like us, not an angel, as some of us may suppose.
James Edward Holl
Jimmy Holl
Father Holl
Father Jim
Father James
Little Jimmy Holl from North St. Paul, a small boy with a large heart and a spiritual ambition. He lived on his parents, Fred and Mary's little homestead in North St. Paul with his brothers John and Freddy, and sisters Aileen, Patricia and Rita. It wasn't an easy life, as was so often the case back in the 30's. Jim helped with the chores, like milking the cow and taking care of the animals. As a boy, Jim loved sports, especially golf and baseball. He and his brothers and the neighbor boys would often play hockey on the little lake near their home. The Catholic FAITH was an important part of growing up for Jim and his family. Mary and Fred, who were devout Catholics, were able to find a way to send Jim to Cretin High School. While attending Cretin, Jims first inclinations about the true dimension of Christ in his life, came through the mentorship of Cretin teacher, Brother James Edward.
Upon graduating from Cretin, Jim began attending St. Thomas College to study Law or Sports Journalism. During his college years, Jim's brother John Holl was enrolled in a pre-seminary program at Nazareth Hall. John's influence on Jim was large. Jim too, soon began the pre-seminary program at Nazareth Hall. He then spent five years studying to be a priest at the St. Paul Seminary, where he studied with his life long friend, Fr. Tom Conroy. James Edward Holl was ordained a priest on June 5, 1948.
In my conversations with Father James, he relayed that once he had decided to become a priest, he never again had a doubt about his calling. He also relayed that he had a few simple principles concerning his priesthood. They were:
- to be a steward of God and his people
- to trust god
- to use God's grace
- to work at loving God and neighbor
Father James Holl was called to the priesthood. He was a priest for over sixty four years. Can you imagine? I calculated how many Masses, if offered or concelebrated on a daily basis, would be said in a period of sixty four years. … over 23,000 Masses. Father James loved to travel, and visit friends and relatives. His sisters recollected that he would always locate the Catholic Church in the towns they were passing through, so he could offer Mass the next morning. He never missed offering mass.
James served as priest or pastor in nine parishes and, as the Chaplain at the Little Sisters of the Poor over the years. What I remember about Father Jim, are his homilies. He preached with passion, and a bit of fire and brimstone, filled with love and advice for his parishoners.
Sister Maria Francis brought to my attention a portrayal of a priest that fits Father James so well: “O Priest of God” by Father Henri Lacordaire, from the 19th century:
“To live in the midst of the world without wishing for its pleasures, to be a member of each family yet belonging to none, to share all suffering, to penetrate all secrets, to heal all wounds, to go from humans to God and offer Him their prayers: to return God to humanity, to bring pardon and hope, to have a heart of fire for charity and a heart of bronze for chastity, to teach and to pardon, console and bless always. What a glorious life! And it is yours, O Priest of God!”
This afternoon, I would like to pause for a moment, to contemplate WHO Father Holl really was. What manner of person was he? Many of you have relayed stories to me, some humorous, some, of how your beloved priest and friend has helped you out of a difficult situation, or through a tough time in your life. Isn't it fantastic that Father James was there for many of us, during the most important experiences of our lives; the deaths, the weddings, and the baptisms of our loved ones and ourselves. Father loved people. He loved caring for people. Father Holl had an unbelievable memory, especially when it came to peoples names. I was always astounded when he would meet someone from long, long ago, and immediately remember their name.
When I look at the reality of Father James, I see a truly holy man. Here was a man; who was the least materialistic person I've ever known. Here was a spiritual man, a selfless man. His work was to spiritually and emotionally support, facilitate, teach, improve, intercede for, and love us. He was a man that worked for justice. He was a man with a tremendously kind disposition, a wonderful smile, and a fantastic sense of humor.
Today, I ask you to remember, that this phenomenon we know as Father James, this tremendously loving, giving, pious man: we must give HIM credit for the choices he made. We must see Father James, as a person, just a man, who decided what life he would lead, who decided how he would live, who decided how he would love. Father James was steadfast in his life choices. He had strength and fortitude and perseverance for a cause. And not just any cause, but a cause so pure, full of love, full of humility, full of charity. He truly, in the choices he made, and the life that he has lead, is an example we all should strive to emulate in our own humble ways.
Above all, Father James was a man serving Christ; believing in Christ as our God and savior. In some way Father reminds me of St. Christopher, who, while helping pilgrims cross a mighty river, carried a small child on his shoulders. While carrying this small child, the rushing waters of the river became very turbulent and the child very heavy. After much struggle they came to the other side of the river, where Christopher told the child he felt like he had carried the entire world on his shoulders. The child replied that he had carried more than that: the creator of the world himself. The name Christophoros means Christ bearer. Father James gave his existence to Christ. Truthfully, he helped many cross that mighty river. He was truly the bearer of Christ.
On one of the last days I visited Father Holl, he asked me to read to him from the New Testament. He asked me to read Matthew, Chapter 5., and although, we all have heard the ‘Beatitudes' many times, wouldn't it be most wonderful if we could, each one of us, become the ‘blessed' of these little prayers and they become the vernacular of our everyday living?
This afternoon we gather to honor Father Holl. Today, I ask you, all of you, to embrace one idea from the life of Father James Holl. Ask yourself, how do I relate who Father was, and how he lived, to my everyday acts? What can I learn from him? How can I continue forward in his legacy? How can I personally change, to make a larger contribution, to make the world a better place?
As some of you may remember, when Bobby Kennedy spoke on the occasion of the assassination of Martin Luther King, he quoted the Greek poet Aeschylus, who said:
Even in our sleep,
pain which cannot forget
falls drop by drop upon the heart,?
until, in our own despair,?against our will,
comes wisdom?through the awful grace of God
In honor of James Holl, I pray we earnestly work to grow and act in his wisdom.
This day, we say goodbye to our beloved Father James. I fondly remember as a little boy, his great shock of hair, his smiling, delightful eyes of happiness and of love. And I remember, as so many of you also do, the great hand making the sign of the cross in the air, and coming down firmly, one by one upon our heads, as he said his final farewell… “May the Blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, come upon you, and remain with you, forever, Amen.
Nancy Wolfe
January 20, 2013
Oh Father Jim, how we will miss you! He was a wonderful Uncle to me and my siblings and later to our spouses and children as well. How many special blessings (thumps of the forehead) we received as children! For many years growing up we lived in Florida but every year he came to visit. He visited Disney World and went with us to the Kennedy Space Center. He said Mass in our home and he played basketball and baseball with us. Our neighborhood friends liked to be over when he came for his yearly visits. I think they all thought it was "cool" that a priest in his loosened Roman collar would run around outside playing ball with us.
I have spent most of my life not living in the same town as Father Jim, but when each of my kids were born he traveled to my home parishes to Baptize them. He always made time for people. He made you know he always cared. He was a wonderful priest, son, brother, brother inlaw, uncle and man.
Thank you for your life long example of Christian charity and love!
Love, Nancy (niece) Wolfe & family
Mike Holl
January 18, 2013
My uncle liked to drive. Most of my rememberances of him involved him driving me and my brothers and sisters somewhere. I remember a trip to Hafners restaurant on St. Pauls east side. I always sat in the back seat so I could get away with my continual misdeeds. My uncle had this habit of smacking his lips for what reason I don't know. I used to make the same sound in mockery. Kids can be cruel. Fr. James pretended not to notice. Everyone in the car was laughing including Fr. James.
Fr Tom Wilson
January 8, 2013
My first year of ordination was an unchartered territory of new experiences, relationships and levels of exhaustion. Naively, I believed it was unique to me. It was not. It is a common experience for most new priests. The parish had downsized from three to two priests with no commensurate reduction in activity requiring a priest and creating new stress on us. My pastor, Fr. Reiser, saw the handwriting on the wall and called on a soon retiring pastor to come and live with us and “help out a little bit.” We needed to woo Fr. Jim Holl somewhat because other parishes were offering him the same opportunity.
He decided to come to Epiphany because he saw the greatest need for his priestly minis-try. I was grateful to have him and spread out duties a little more and allow some flexibility in our schedule. When he arrived, to be honest, most of us were worried. He looked physi-cally exhausted and there were appearances that he may be entering some memory loss, even as he became famous in the parish for trying to remember everyone's names. Two women who have the same last name and children with similar ages still laugh about him confusing them and honor him for attempting to make that distinction among five thou-sand family's. (Later I learned he had the same concerns and did some Alzheimer's test-ing that was negative.)
Wondering whether he would make it was one of the biggest mistakes of my life, and helped shape my own view of priestly retirement. His “helping” evolved into a nearly full time associate. Fr. Holl came to us a worn out retired pastor having lived with the burdens of buildings, administration, and staff management for almost fifty years. When relieved of those burdens, I saw a man restored in joy of service as he preached daily and Sunday Masses, visited the sick, taught in classrooms, and never had to worry about the bills be-ing paid. His memory even improved! What I saw blossom before my eyes was a man who knew who he was as a priest and loved bringing Christ to people wherever they were. When he was doing that, he was fulfilled and renewed with a new spring in his step in re-tirement, and I learned how valuable that time can be not just for parishes that desper-ately need help, but also for the priest himself. Fr. Holl saw it as a gift to continue pastoral ministry without the duties of administration.
As we got to know each other, I confided in him that I had friends in high school that had him as a pastor and did not always appreciate the tenor and length of his homilies or his disposition. He laughed and acknowledged that there was a stretch in his priesthood that included some severe health problems including life threatening heart issues that affected him both spiritually and physically. He also told me of an instantaneous physical and spiri-tual healing he received that changed his life forever. God had restored him earlier in his ministry and did it again while he lived with us. He was a living example of dedication to priesthood and response to the grace of God in his life at all stages.
We both left Epiphany at the same time as I was assigned to the Vocations Office and he accepted an invitation to be chaplain at the Little Sister's of the Poor. He continued to be very active in assisting with daily Mass and confessions at St. Paul area parishes. In the fall, he chose to enter hospice care at the Little Sisters, and when I visited him in Novem-ber, he told me he had never been at greater peace in his life and his greatest desire was to be able to live to see his great nephew be ordained a priest next year. That grace was not granted as he passed to eternal life on December 29.
Fr. Holl was a great example of priestly dedication and perseverance over tumultuous times and overly critical high school students. He was also a model of living priestly ser-vice right to the end of his life. It was a gift to serve with him and see the work of God show in his own restoration. Go forth good and faithful servant. Share your Master's joy.
Erin Holl
January 8, 2013
Just in case you haven't seen this yet, Fr. Tom Wilson of All Saints in Lakeville wrote a wonderful tribute to Fr. Holl in our Sunday bulletin. I will try to post the link. Otherwise, you may find it at at the website of All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville, MN.
http://www.allsaintschurch.com/file/cms/2013/1/3/203974020226261Jan6%2013.pdf
Alan Weier
January 7, 2013
Fr.Holl.
A great priest and a great man. You seemed to know everyone and always had a kind thing to say to all. You were a great example of Christ's love to all. You will be missed.
Fr.Holl with family friend,Kevin.
January 6, 2013
Fr.Holl always made time for others.
January 6, 2013
Fr.Holl visiting after Mass at the Little Sisters of the Poor.
January 6, 2013
Fr.Holl with his great Niece and Nephew and Nephew in Law.
January 6, 2013
Fr.Holl with his great Niece Stephanie.
January 6, 2013
Fr.Holl working the crowd at his Great Nephew's Graduation Party!
January 6, 2013
Fr.Holl with Nephew Brian.
January 6, 2013
January 6, 2013
Fr.Holl with his great Nephew David.
January 6, 2013
Fr.Holl blesses the Milles family at his 90th Birthday Party!
January 6, 2013
Fr.Holl at his 90th Birthday Party!
Teresa Gockowski
January 6, 2013
Thank you to all of you who have posted messages here. It is wonderful to read them all. Yes, Fr.Holl was a Faithful Servant who loved well! He was a very dear Uncle, and we all knew how much he loved us. He was so generous in every way, especially with his time. It is so sweet to hear he spoke of us even when he was with others. He also spoke of all of you to us. He had a great love for all God's people!
There is a void now with the realization that he has left his earthly dwelling, but we will continue to pray that he has reached his eternal home and is in the Loving arms of our Father in heaven. Thank you to all who attended Fr.Holl's wake and funeral and to all those who pray for him. God bless you all! (Fr.Holl's Niece)
January 6, 2013
I was BLESSED to be able to attend the funeral for Fr.Holl. A couple of my take-aways: When Fr.Ken Ludescher, the homilist, related that Fr.Jim said "The most important thing I do is offer the Mass." And when Fr.'s nephew said in the eulogy, that Fr.Hall, when he was about to visit a distant city, would always call ahead to the Catholic Church, to see if he could offer Mass while there. Awesome!! Aside from the funeral, I wanted all of Fr.'s relatives to know how OFTEN he spoke of you ~ especially his nieces & nephews, like they were his own children. Even when I saw him in Oct & he had some booklets that he was going to give to his grand-nieces/nephews. ~ P.Huss from Epiphany
Bill & Char Jahnke
January 6, 2013
Please feel free to add any fotos or thoughts you may have of Fr Holl. Perhaps we can make this an ongoing memorial to him.
Bryan & Jan Freeman
January 6, 2013
We will miss Fr. Holl. He officiated at my brother Bob's wedding in 1974 and for my niece Karen (Bob's daughter) in 2006. He was also a great help to us when my mom (Kay) was seriously ill in 2008 so the Vogel family knew him well and always greatly enjoyed visiting with him.
Bill & Kay Vogel
January 6, 2013
We are very thankful for everything that Fr. Holl did for us and our family not only while he was at St. Nicholas parish in New Market in the 1960's but for all the years after that time as well. We will miss him.
Bill Jahnke
January 5, 2013
Sister Corrine of Epiphany recalls Fr. Reiser saying.."Fr. Holl is as smooth as butter." May he rest in peace.
January 5, 2013
Jeanne Heintz
January 4, 2013
Fr. Holl, I enjoyed knowing you while I worked there and you always calling me " Jennie". May you rest in peace and may your family find comfort in God's care. I was blessed to know you and will miss you.
Maxine Grout
January 3, 2013
You will be missed Fr. James, I have many fond memories of you over many years. Thanks for the memories.
January 3, 2013
“To be the Chaplain at the Little Sister's Home is a wonderful way of giving glory to God, celebrating the Sacred Mysteries, serving the elderly, enriching one's old age and preparing God's people and oneself for the final journey.”
Fr. James Holl, Chaplain
Fr Holl, Chaplain, Little Sisters of the Poor
Bill Jahnke
January 3, 2013
Bill Jahnke
January 3, 2013
Beloved Brother and Uncle
Catholic Priest of the St Paul/Mpls Archdiocese for over 64 years.
Chaplain Little Sisters of Poor for 10 years. Preceded in death by
parents Fred & Mary, brothers John & Freddy. Survived by sisters
Aileen (Andy) Koenen, Patricia Johnson & Rita (Tom Willmus; sister-in-law Vivian Holl, former wife of John Holl, Betty Juaire. Many
nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces, great grand nephews and nieces, many relatives & countless friends. Special thanks to the dear
sisters at Little Sisters of the Poor. Special thanks to Mother
Theresa & Sister Maria Frances. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 11:30AM at CHURCH OF ST. PETER, 2600 N. Margaret St., North St. Paul . Visitation Wed., Jan 2 at Little Sisters of the Poor, 330 S. Exchange St., St. Paul from 5-8PM with prayer service at 7PM, and from 10:00-11:30AM at church. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. Luncheon at church following interment. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor
Margy Sando Eroh
January 2, 2013
Remembering Fr. Holl at Resurrection Parish in South Minneapolis. Fondest memory was the day he was walking the neighborhood visiting parishioners and he stopped by my house. The house was a disaster as I daycared and that particular day I had fabric laid out on my floor working on a sewing project. I was so embarrassed but he didn't care. He came in and talked for a while, blessed our home and then was on his way.
Bill Jahnke
January 2, 2013
After Mass on Saturday evenings, Fr Jim & I shot hoops in Epiphany Church gym, Coon Rapids MN. He was very good as one might expect for fellow in his 80s.
Bill & Char Jahnke
January 2, 2013
Age 90
Beloved Brother and Uncle
Catholic Priest of the St Paul/Mpls Archdiocese for over 64 years.
Chaplain Little Sisters of Poor for 10 years. Preceded in death by
parents Fred & Mary, brothers John & Freddy. Survived by sisters
Aileen (Andy) Koenen, Patricia Johnson & Rita (Tom Willmus; sister-in-law Vivian Holl, former wife of John Holl, Betty Juaire. Many
nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces, great grand nephews and nieces, many relatives & countless friends. Special thanks to the dear
sisters at Little Sisters of the Poor. Special thanks to Mother
Theresa & Sister Maria Frances. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 11:30AM at CHURCH OF ST. PETER, 2600 N. Margaret St., North St. Paul . Visitation Wed., Jan 2 at Little Sisters of the Poor, 330 S. Exchange St., St. Paul from 5-8PM with prayer service at 7PM, and from 10:00-11:30AM at church. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. Luncheon at church following interment. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor
Bill Bonin
January 2, 2013
Father Holl was a wonderful priest. I enjoyed his years at Epiphany. I am sure he and Fr. Rieser are having a good chat together.
Thomas Johnson
January 2, 2013
Thank you Father James for always shining a light towards God in everything you did for the entire 59 years of our acquaintance. Your ever present smile and vivid memory of names along with your love and compassion you offered without strings - toeveryone you met will serve as a life long model for me and my family.
Fr.Holl w/Fr. Reiser-12-17-2004
ray carlson
January 1, 2013
Christopher Flicek
January 1, 2013
Father Holl was one special guy! He baptised me and has been a dear friend of my family for years. Whether it was coming over for the Super Bowl, going golfing, or taking him to one of his favorite restaurants, Old Country Buffet, his company was adored and cherished. The last time I spoke to him, in late September, he talked about his changing health. He told me, "I'm still Jimmy Holl from North St. Paul!" You will be missed Father! RIP in God's eternal Kingdom!
Mike & Kelly Carlson
January 1, 2013
We will never forget the lessons you taught at our children's baptisms.
January 1, 2013
We will never forget the lessons he taught at our children's baptisms.
Mike and Kelly Carlson
Mary Beth Schultz
January 1, 2013
Thank you Fr. Holl for your wonderful service to Epiphany Parish in Coon Rapids, MN. You always were a kind, gentle, and holy man. Peace to your family and friends.
Lisa Okeefe
December 31, 2012
What a wonderful, holy priest of God. He's dancing now, I just know it! Pray for us, Fr. Holl!!
Joseph C. Lamers
December 31, 2012
never knew him to be unconcerned, or too busy to pay attention about minor things no matter how trivial. God bless, you will be remeberd in our prayers, though missed in life.
Geraldine Bingham
December 31, 2012
Fr. James had a large contingent of first cousins and he has left a lasting imprint on each and every one of us. He had a memory like a steel trap, remembering details of all of our lives in the most amazing way. He was a good and faithful servant -- a truly holy man. God rest his lovely soul.
Gerry Bingham
Patricia McGinn
December 31, 2012
Father Holl will always be remembered fondly by our family. He was assigned to the Cathedral Church when I was a student at the Cathedral grade school, assisted my mother when she became catholic and assisted our family in adopting my two brothers. As an adult parishioner of St. Pascal Baylon I was blessed to have him come into my life again as our pastor. It was always amazing that he never forgot a name. He was a kind and caring individual. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
December 31, 2012
A wonderful, holy man of GOD! When I visited Fr. 2 months ago, he remembered my name & was his usual warm & personable self...and STILL had all that gorgeous HAIR! He offered to give me a blessing before I left. ALWAYS the priest, ALWAYS evangelizing. Beautiful!! Thank you, dear Fr.Holl! Now, enter into the JOY! ~P.Huss, from Epiphany
John and Shawn Gutowski
December 30, 2012
We loved having Father Holl at Epiphany. He worked awefully hard in his retirement.
Erin Holl
December 30, 2012
To the family of Fr. Holl,
I have fond memories of attending church with my grandparents at the Church of the Annuciation in the small community of Hazelwood. Fr. Holl was a wonderful priest! Ironically, I ended up marrying a "Holl". Whenever people ask me about the pronunciation of my last name, and I tell them it's said "Hall", they always shrug. I then tell them how I always knew how to say it properly, thanks to knowing a wonderful priest in my childhood! I will keep Fr. Holl and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
RAY CARLSON
December 30, 2012
IT NEVER FAILED TO AMAZE ME AT HOW FR.HOLL COULD ALWAYS OUT-HIT ME ON THE GOLF COURSE AND I'M TWICE HIS SIZE! BUT, SIZE DIDN'T MEAN MUCH AS HE WAS A GIANT IN MY LIFE AND WE WILL MISS HE AND EUGENE (FREDDIE) AND THE TIME'S WE HAD IN LAKE HAVASU, AZ. THANKS FOR LETTING OUR FAMILY INTO YOUR LIFE..GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU AND MAY THE LIGHT SHINE UPON YOU.
YOUR FRIEND'S FOREVER, BETTY AND RAY CARLSON
susan korf
December 30, 2012
Fr Holl was the dearest man and most holy priest I've ever met. He was at all times on the superhighway to heaven! He leaves behind many memories with thousands of people. Even as late as last lent, when he visited St. Pascal's fish fry, he remembered my first name. Phenomenal memory!
Mary Ann Andersen
December 30, 2012
I met Fr. Holl through friends when he served as pastor at the Church of the Annunciation outside Northfield. Loved both the twinkle in his eye and his reverent celebration of the Mass. Eternal rest grant unto Fr. Holl, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. "We have loved them during life; let us not abandon them until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house of the Lord." --Saint Ambrose
Lydia & Evan Pheneger (Willmus)
December 30, 2012
Rest in peace Father James. I always enjoyed talking with you at our family events. Such an amazing coincidence that you married Evan's grandparents so many years ago. You blessed so many lives with your work.
December 30, 2012
HE WAS SUCH AN INTELEGENT MAN AND VERY KIND. WE WILL ALL MISS HIS SENSE OF HUMOR. WE LOVE YOU FATHER HOLL. RED & MARY ELLEN STANGER
December 30, 2012
I was saddened to read of Fr. Holl's death. The Catholic Church, as well as the rest of the world will miss Jim Holl. He was one in a million. Sixty two years ago, when he was a young priest and I was an altar boy, Fr. Holl took me golfing for the first time. He was a kind and gentle teacher. I've been playing golf (poorly) ever since. More importantly, Fr. Holl was a great example to us. He was a humble man who served others his entire life.
Thank you James Holl. Louie Bartscher
December 30, 2012
May the angels lead you into paradise.
December 30, 2012
The first memory I have of my Uncle, Fr.James is when I was 3 years old. He took me and my older brother and sister to the Cathedral and said Mass for us at one of the little Shrines. I remember we each had a kneeler and I had to reach up and hold on when I knelt down and I remember looking through the opening up at him. After Mass he took us to Mikey's Diner for breakfast and I remember him lifting me up on to the stool at the counter. We had fun! He continued to lift me and my family up throughout my life. He was a great Uncle and we have been so very blessed by his presence in our lives. He will be deeply missed.
Rose O'Rourke
December 30, 2012
Thank you Fr. James, for the gift of your love to our family these many years and for your gift of leading by example as you lived a life of deep devotion to the Lord. We have been blessed with your care and guidance and sense of fun. Fr. Jim was a humble servant of God who joyously shared The Word. He loved his whole family deeply and without condition. Fr. Jim made new friends daily, while never forgetting his old friends, he could laugh easily and did so often. His interest in sports and current events made it hard to stump him with any news item. His greetings were generous and his laugh came easily and often. James was a voracious reader and a great intellectual, a wonderful listener who could reflect things back in a brilliant, simple, helpful way. He took genuine interest in the world around him, in the people around him. Details that others might have found boring, he found fascinating and important. He especially enjoyed the young people in his life and encouraged their investment toward a deeper faith life with great zeal. He appreciated the smallest gesture of care and kindness extended to him and he gave back one-thousand fold. Our lives have been better because he was with us. God grant him eternal Rest. He will be deeply missed. With love, Rose & Mike O'Rourke and the whole Willmus family
Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results
Make a Donation
in James HOLL's name
Memorial Events
for James HOLL
Funeral services provided by:
Johnson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation612 South Smith Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55107
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James HOLL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
