John M. Holmes

HOLMES- John M. Holmes, Jr. (Johnny) passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. He was preceded by his parents, John M. Holmes, Sr. and Ruby L. Holmes. John was born on November, 14, 1938 at St. Lukes Hospital and was a lifetime resident of Jacksonville. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School, class of 1957. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve in 1964. He worked in the heavy-duty diesel engine business and retired in 2005 after 43 years of service with a Florida based distributorship. John enjoyed a good round of golf, landscaping, and outings with his Shriner buddies and grandkidding. He was a member of Riverview Masonic Lodge #306, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner in the Morocco Temple, and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Court 90. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Gail, the love of his life of 51 years; 3 daughters, Dawn Heise, Shawn Winchester, (her husband Rod), and Traci Holmes; granddaughters, Jade and Jordan Heise; grandsons, Reef and Kai Winchester and Jonas Holmes. He also loved his sister, Pat Harris, who was his mentor; and nephews, Mark and Brad Harris; his cousins, Bonnie Leslie, George (Cuz) Brunkhorst, who was like a brother to him; a special friend, Loretta Zezulak; god daughter, Ashley Zezulak; and Melanie Milentz, who he also thought of as a daughter; and (all the stray cats Gail collected throughout the years). He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend anyone could ever have wished for. Per Johnny’s request, there will not be a funeral. A celebration of his life will be at a later date.