Timothy Sherwood Hollis

Tim was born on August 25, 1949, in Whittier, California, to Shirley Ann Sherwood and John Jared Hollis, DDS. He was the oldest of three boys.

Growing up, Tim moved often as his father attended dental school, but no matter where life took him, he had a natural gift for making friends. He was athletic from a young age and excelled in baseball, football, and track and field. His family shared a love for the outdoors, especially boating trips to Catalina Island—where his adventurous spirit first took root.

At 19 years old, Tim enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably in the Vietnam War for nearly two years with the 25th Infantry Division, known as “Tropic Lightning.” His infantry unit, the Wolfhounds, carried the motto “No Fear,” a motto Tim embodied throughout his life with courage, resilience, and grit.

After returning home from Vietnam, Tim worked in construction and later joined his grandfather helping run Crossroads of the West gun shows. It was there, in 1977, that he met the love of his life, Tara.

It was love at first sight. They married in August of 1979 and began their life together in Manhattan Beach, California.

In 1981, they welcomed their first child, Sarah—the first girl on Tim’s side of the family in three generations. Seeking a quieter life and a place to raise their family, Tim and Tara left Los Angeles and settled in the small town of Jamul, California. There they welcomed their son, Beau, in 1987, completing their family.

Jamul became Tim’s haven. It was there that Tim and Tara built a life rich in love, friendship, and community—filled with weekly barbecues, pool days, Padres and Chargers games, nights at the Greek Sombrero, fishing trips, hunting adventures, poker games, and dancing. He gave his children a childhood full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

For more than 40 years, Tim quietly battled Polycythemia Vera, a condition caused by Agent Orange exposure during his service in Vietnam. He endured decades of treatments, trial medications, and uncertainty with unwavering strength. Thirteen years ago, when he was nearly ready to give up, he began a chemotherapy trial that gave him one of the greatest gifts of his life: the chance to become “Papa.”

Even through daily chemotherapy and weekly treatments, many people never knew he was sick. He kept coaching little league, fishing, working on his tractor, chopping wood, and playing with his grandchildren. He never stopped living, and he never gave up.

Tim was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sportsman. Alongside some of his oldest friends, he helped start the Jamul Tuna Club—a group built around a shared love of fishing and giving back to the local community. He coached countless youth sports teams over the years, including both his children’s and grandsons’ teams, and remained active in Jamul Little League for nearly 40 years. In recognition of his dedication, a baseball field was named in his honor—an achievement he was deeply proud of.

Tim is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Tara Hollis; his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Richard Thompson; his son and daughter-in-law, Beau and Courtney Hollis; and his cherished grandchildren, Griffin Thompson, London Thompson, and Stetson Hollis.

Tim’s life was a testament to strength, faith, loyalty, and love. He lived by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That simple principle shaped the way he treated everyone he met, and it is why he was so deeply loved by so many.

He was a great friend, a devoted husband, an incredible father, and above all, the absolute best Papa.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, stories, and unforgettable memories.

Tim was a true legend.

Memorial services to honor Tim’s life will be held as follows:

Memorial Baseball Game

July 5, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.- The Tim Hollis field: Jamul Little League, Jamul, California

Funeral Services

July 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.- Jamul Community Church, Jamul, California

To view by livestream during service: https://www.youtube.com/@jamulchurch

Reception to immediately follow at Singing Hills Golf Club

Military Honors Service & Committal

July 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.- Miramar National Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Jamul Little League or the Wounded Warrior Project