James D. Holmes

Scarborough, ME – James D. Holmes, 67, of Scarborough, went home to God's loving arms on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House with his adoring family by his side. He was the loving husband of Barbara E. (Williams) Holmes.   Jim was born on October 16, 1944 in Portland, ME, a son of the late Cyril & Gladys (Cannon) Holmes. He attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School.   He spent the last 18 years as the General Manager and Locksmith for Lock, Stock & Barrel in Portland.   Barbara and Jim were married in 1965 in Portland and began to raise their family. Second only to the Lord, his wife and son’s family were the center of everything he did.   James was an active member of the Rock Church for the past 10 years, serving as the lead usher for many years and was instrumental in starting the Men’s Group at the Church. He had a passion for serving people as well as being a surrogate grandfather to the children of the church; he was always on bended knee welcoming the children.   Jim enjoyed playing golf with his son and best friend Marty and had a passion for muscle cars, attending car shows as far away as Pennsylvania. He restored and was very proud of his 1969 Dodge GTX, which he entered into several car shows, winning first prize at Bonny Eagle one year.   He will be sadly missed by Barbara, his wife of 47 years, his beloved son Keith E. Holmes and wife LoriAnn, and granddaughter Rebecca, all of Oakland, ME. He also leaves his three sisters, Donna Croce and her husband Carl of Westbrook, Sandra Yates and her husband Gary of Casco, ME, Linda Welch formerly of Westbrook, as well as brother Dennis Holmes and his wife Faye of Scarborough, along with many nieces and nephews.   The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House as well as his home care team. Also many thanks go out to the Rock Church family and all of the loving friends and family members who walked this journey with us; we celebrate each and every one of you. Caren and Theresa Gayle, thank you for your love and support, and for being our eyes and ears. Pastor Eric, you are our rock, our strength, and our shepherd.   Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Jim’s life to be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012, at 1 p.m. at EastPoint Christian Church, City Line Drive, Portland.    Arrangements are under the care of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 981 Forest Ave. Portland. Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Jim’s guest book.   In lieu of flowers, Jim’s desire was to have donations made to: The Rock Church Benevolence Fund 66 Gorham Road Scarborough, ME 04074