James R. Holmes, Jr.

We invite you to celebrate the life of James R. Holmes, Jr. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:00 am at The Danville Church of Christ, 15961 Danville Jelloway Road Danville. Now that we can gather together, we want to take the opportunity to share memories and celebrate everything he was to everyone. We have appreciated all the thoughts, prayers and tributes as we navigate this road of grief and look forward to seeing you all there! We are a family who appreciates the simple things and that is how we will celebrate his life. Please dress casually and as informally and comfortable as you would like. Feel free to bring a memory or picture or something that reminds you of him. Saturday lunch was always pizza at our house and we will honor that tradition. After we meet together feel free to stay and have some pizza and snacks and tell a story or two. Everyone has a Mr. Holmes story and we would love to hear them all

For 78 years the world was blessed to have James R. Holmes Jr. as a Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Son, Brother, Uncle, Teacher, EMT, Council Member, Church Leader and Friend.  He left this world on February 11, 2021 surrounded by the love of his family, Sherrie Holmes, his wife of 54 years, his two daughters, Jennifer Ferenbaugh and Amy Ryan, and his 4 grandchildren, Allyson (Jack) Rosemore, Nick Huffman, Justice Ferenbaugh, and Tessa Ferenbaugh.  Jim is also survived by his brother, Bill (Linda) Holmes of Erie,Pa, sister, Mary (Bob) Beichner of Raleigh, NC, brother in law, John (Mary) Loyd, and sister in law Jane (Mike) Addair of Danville, along with many nieces and nephews. He has been reunited with his parents, James R Holmes Sr. and Ruth (Davis) Holmes of Erie, Pa, brother, Richard Holmes also of Erie, and his granddaughter Jordan.

Born on January 15 1943 in Erie, Pa, Jim made his home in Danville Ohio in 1965.  He taught government and history at Danville Schools for 44 years and established their Mock Trial Program whose first team was named “Team Holmes” in his honor.  He volunteered as an EMT and firefighter for the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District, and served as a member of the Danville Village Council.  He was a leader at, and member of the Danville Church of Christ.  He made a difference in his community and in the lives of everyone he met and will be deeply missed.

To honor his memory in lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to one of the following organizations in his name: Hospice of Knox County and North Central Ohio, 17700 Coshocton Rd Mt. Vernon, OH 43050, and at hospiceofnorthcentralohio.org, or the Danville Mock Trial Program in care of Danville Local Schools, 405 S. Market St. Danville, OH 43014.

The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is assisting with arrangements.