James Holmes

James F. Holmes, 92, passed away on Tuesday, September 21.

He was born on June 30, 1929 in Richmond, Indiana to Ralph and Mabel Norton Holmes. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1947.

James was a US Air Force veteran of the Korean War who served as an aircraft mechanic. He retired after a career as an electrician and was a member of IBEW Local 855, where he had served in the union leadership.

James was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He worked many years at the YMCA and was a Life Member of the Elks. He enjoyed snow-birding for 26 winters and was an avid golfer with 4 holes-in-1 carded over the years. One of James’s biggest thrills was his annual July 4th family reunion.

James will be missed by his wife of 46 years, Carol Abrams Holmes; children, Holly (Tim) Love, Howard (Pam) Holmes, Julianne (Doug) Cochran, Bruce (Lorie) Holmes, Teresa Rynard and David Daly, Tonia (Jeff) Banter, Tyrone Holmes, Jim (Angie) Kirtley; 14 grandchildren, Terry Love, Jeremy (Lisa) Holmes, Sarah (Adam) Scholl, Nikki (Eddie) Loeffler, Matthew (Jane) Holmes, Shelly (Tyler) Soellinger, Martin Holmes, Alex (Christy) Kirtley, Coleman Kirtley, Ian and Elizabeth Cochran, Celeste Holmes, Jacob Kirtley and Chevelle Nolte; 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and his special canine companion, Sammie.

James was preceded in death by his parents; 1 son, Terry Holmes, who was born on September 21, 1959; grandson, Dustin James Kirtley; sisters, Mary McClure and Dorothy Blackford; 1 brother, Ralph L. Holmes; brother-in-law, Bill McClure; niece, Vicki Holmes; nephews Leroy Blackford and Rick Holmes.

Interment will be conducted in Willow Grove Cemetery at the convenience of the family, with military rites conducted by the Wayne County Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are encouraged for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond, IN 47374.