James Denis Holden

James “Jim” Denis Holden, 77, of North Port, FL, received his angel wings on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Born in Taunton, MA on June 29, 1943, he was the son of Lois M. and Walter M. Holden, Sr. He enlisted in the US Air Force after graduating high school, and was proud to be an honorably discharged veteran.

Jim married the love of his life, Carole Gelm Holden, on July 12, 1986. Together they were weekend warriors who loved road trips and Adventure Sundays, checking out state parks, local beaches and throwing a fishing line in the water whenever possible. Jim was happiest spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, frequently with a cold Michelob Ultra in his hand. An incredibly skilled handyman, he could build or repair almost anything, and after he retired, he was most content when he had a project to work on. Jim was the epitome of “cool”, always calm and collected, but there was a razor-sharp wit behind that cool exterior. He was always ready to throw out a one-liner that would have everyone laughing in an instant.

Jim is survived by his wife Carole, and their beautifully blended family, made up of his daughter Paula Benedetto, son Michael Holden (Heather), bonus son Brian Genton (Jennifer), bonus daughter Andrea Williams, and his youngest daughter Anne-Marie Holden; siblings Walter Holden, Jr. (Judy), Tavares, FL; Helen Medeiros (Richard), Rochester, MA; Elizabeth Cummings (Daniel), New Bedford, MA; George Holden, Deltona, FL; and Martha Linscott, Old Orchard Beach, ME. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Sandra Norwood and Janice Taylor.

He was blessed with and fiercely proud of his grandchildren: Jessica and Anthony Benedetto; Brittanni, Zachary and Cassidy Holden; Natalie and Abigail Genton; Quentin, Carter and Avery Williams; Marc, Julia and Stephanie DelFavero; and great-grandchildren Serenity, Adrianna and Aubri.

Jim leaves his family and friends with a legacy of love and kindness towards others that will carry on for generations to come. A celebration of his life will take place in 2021. For those wishing to offer a tribute, the family suggests memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Air Force Aid Society, the official charity of the US Air Force. www.afas.org