James Oliver Holder, age 89, peacefully went home to be with the Lord with his family by his side on May 10, 2024. James was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on February 18, 1935. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Marvin Holder, and Irene Compton Holder; his sister Betty Daniels; and his brother Chester Holder.
James is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Harvey Holder, and they were one month shy of celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary; his sister Peggy (James Edward) Barrett of Christiana, TN, his son Scott Holder (Mary) of Canton, GA, and his daughter Starr Holder Cole of Camarillo, CA. He is also survived by his two grandsons; Matt Holder (Amanda) of Elk Grove, CA, Austin Cole of Venice, CA; and granddaughter Katie (Julian) Lujan of Concord, CA. He is also survived by his great granddaughter due to be born in November 2024, and several very special nieces and nephews.
A lifelong lover of books and learning, he amassed a library of just over 5,000 books, including 84 of his most precious, his Bibles. Many of these books were recently donated to pastors in the United States, and to Bible Colleges and Missionaries all over the World. James attended McFadden Elementary School and Central High School in Murfreesboro. He attended Middle Tennessee State University and graduated from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN. His learning did not stop there as he went on to earn a Master’s in Theology and Doctorate in Divinity.
James paid his way through college working as a meat cutter and pastor. He started his first church, Dillon Street Baptist Church in Woodbury, TN at the age of 18, with his wife Dot at his side. His ministry continued as a pastor until his health slowed him down at the age of 85. After pastoring in Woodbury, he and Dot continued their service to the Lord in many other locations and churches including Dalton, GA, Newtonsville, OH, Chattanooga, TN, Palm Springs, CA, Santa Maria, CA, Lemon Grove, CA and Benson, AZ. Inspired by the work ethic of his father, James also worked other jobs while pastoring to support his family working as a School Teacher, Asbestos Inspector, School Principal and Bible College Professor. He also served with Baptist International Missions Inc. for 27 years as the Western States Representative. As a pastor he saw the fruits of his ministry in inspiring, teaching, counselling, and mentoring countless pastors and missionaries who shared the gospel throughout the World.
A true legacy of Service to the Lord…Well done thou good and faithful servant.
Visitation with family will be held on Tuesday, May 14 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Lakewood Baptist Church, 6626 Hunter Road, Harrison, TN, with a 2:00 p.m. service to follow at the Church. Pastor Ronnie Gilbert will officiate.
Burial will follow the service at Chattanooga Memorial Park, 501 Memorial Drive, Chattanooga, TN.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Funeral arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN
