James (J.T.) Holmes

James Thomas Holmes, Sr. was born on January 1, 1917 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Thomas Henry and Bridget Walsh Holmes. He met his future wife, Alice Marie Noone, on a blind date. He told his cousin that he was going to marry that woman. They were married on June 28, 1941 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

They were blessed with 3 children: James Thomas Holmes, Jr., JoAnn Marie Holmes, and Ann Marie Holmes McPherson; 4 grandchildren: Jeffrey McPherson, Anna Jarrett, Kathryn Holmes Bledsoe, and Joseph McPherson; 5 great-grandchildren: Katie Jarrett, Julia Jarrett, Joshua, AubraLee, and Seth Bledsoe; 1 great-great grandchild: Aednat

My father went to work for Douglas Aircraft Company in 1956. He helped to put John Glenn and all the others into space. He had to retire in July 1972 after suffering a massive heart attack. The doctors at Shands Hospital told him that there was nothing that they could do for him. After getting a triple bypass in 1988 he has lived to celebrate his 100th birthday.

At the age of 94 he finally gave up driving. It was hard on him as he was always independent and now he had to rely on his family to take him around.

He was an avid bowler. He achieved his life dream just one month from turning 74. He bowled a 300 game and 2 weeks later bowled a second 300 game. He maintained a 200 average.

My father lived his life serving God. He taught his children to put God first and foremost in their lives. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Because it is in giving that we receive and dying that we are born to eternal life. He was the best example of a great Christian. He was humble and kind. Everyone was his friend.

Dad was ready to be reunited with his wife, Alice, and his son, James, Jr. The world has lost a great person but he has left us so many wonderful memories.