John Holland

John Edward Holland was born on April 13, 1965, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to the late Abram and Hattie Mae Holland. He is a graduate of Thomas Edison High School, and he attended Ebenezer Baptist church in Philadelphia Pa where he accepted Christ at an early age.

December 5, 2009, John was joined in holy matrimony to Carla Holland. Their 16-year marriage stood as a beautiful example of loyalty, perseverance, and unwavering commitment. Together they built a home filled with laughter, faith and deep affection. John and Carla travelled often. Their travel was sparked by John’s goal of running a marathon in all 50 states. He accomplished his goal and authored a book to share his adventures of participating in the 50 states marathon organization with others. His Book, “Come Run With John Very Far” stands as a testament to his devotion to running. He also author a book of poems. John and Carla resided in several states- Newark, Delaware; San Diego Ca; Monroe La; and Lubbock, Texas.

After High School graduation, John joined the U. S. Army Reserve and served in the United Staes Marine Corp for over 5 years with a honorable discharge. He was a 0311 rifleman for over 3 years. After his honorable discharge, John worked for the Southeast Transit Authority for short period of time and then accepted employment with the City of Philadelphia in the Sanitation department. He worked for the Sanitation department for over 25 years and retired from the City of Philadelphia in 2014.

Beyond his family, John’s impact stretched into the North Philadelphia community. For many years, he served as a swimming instructor at Nicetown’s Marcus Foster Pool, teaching countless children how to swim with patience, care, and encouragement.

As a certified diver and proud member of the Diving Bell Scuba Shop on North Broad Street, John embraced the peace, discipline, and adventure of the underwater world. His passion extended into environmental stewardship as he hosted multiple Earth Day Scuba Clean-Out Events in the Schuylkill River, working with fellow divers to remove debris and restore the waterway he loved.

Running was more than a hobby for John—it was a calling. He began his running career in high school and carried that passion throughout his entire life. Over the decades, he became a marathon runner of remarkable accomplishment, completing marathons across the country and earning recognition for running over 50 marathons in 50 different states.

John didn’t stop there. He pushed the limits of endurance, completing 24-hour marathons, 100-mile ultramarathons, and other long-distance challenges that inspired everyone.

One of the sweetest parts of John’s legacy lives in the small moments—especially the way he ended every phone conversation with, “I love you more than coffee.” Coffee with cream and sugar and a donut on the side was one of his greatest pleasures. Another pleasure was handing out $2.00 bills to children and adults.

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, John was called from labor to reward to be with his Father in Heaven. He leaves to cherish his memories, Carla, his wife, three children with Adrienne Outen Terinae Holland (Garon) (Philadelphia, Pa) Johnathan Holland (Leslie) (Mount Rainer, Maryland), Desirae Holland (Denver, Colorado), and Kellie Holland (Philadelphia, PA). Six grandchildren Josiah, Jayson, Justus, Aieris, Jenesis and Aza; Three Sisters Jean Holland (Philadelphia, Pa), Andrea Johnson (Saluda, VA), Janie Cox (Fayetteville, NC) and two brothers Abram Holland Jr (Deborah) (Lawrenceville, GA) Holland and Derrick Holland (Philadelphia, PA) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abram and Hattie Mae Holland.

Donations to the chapter may be made by check or money order, payable to "Montford Point Marine Association". The donor can designate if they want their donation to go towards our Congressional Gold Medal efforts, our scholarship endeavors or to the general operating fund.

Checks can me mailed to me at

Joe Geeter

President Chapter #1 NMPMA

27 Red Tail Court, Limerick, PA 19468

We will also accept CashApp at $geeter58