James William Holley

February 9th, 1932~

July 19th, 2011

James William Holley was born in Greenwood, Mississippi to parents James Otis and Annie Long (Stephen) Holley on February 9, 1932. He was reared on a farm and was the oldest of his siblings - brothers Aubrey, George, and Robert; and a sister, Linda. James came from very humble beginnings and from a very young age, he was entrusted with many duties and responsibilities. Growing up during the Great Depression in the rural south, there were many challenges to overcome. His parents stressed the importance of hard work and the value of a college education. At the age of 12, he left home to live with an aunt where he could attend school and work to earn money to send back home to help support his family.

Jim attended Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama. It could be said that he "sang his way" through college, as he earned much of his college tuition by singing as a soloist and in various church choirs. He had a profound love of music and singing, and even considered singing as a career, but his love of science and education eventually earned him a Bachelor of Science Degree from Birmingham-Southern. He then began teaching Biology, Chemistry, and Math at Shades Valley High School in Birmingham. It was there that Jim recognized and re-acquainted with Carlota Perez. Carlota, also a graduate of Birmingham-Southern, had served her practical educational period at Shades Valley High, and was then also teaching Spanish, French, and World History at that school. The two were acquaintances in college, but as teachers in the same school they quickly became good friends. Not too long after that, they were engaged to be married. Jim and Carlotta exchanged wedding vows on December 21st, 1954 in Birmingham.

Following his service as a teacher, Jim served as a Medical Technologist for Lloyd Nolan Memorial Hospital, also in Birmingham. During that period he became a full member of the American Society for Medical Technology (ASMT, later to become the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences-ASCLS). While employed by Lloyd Nolan Hospital, Jim attended a medical technology conference in 1960 in the American Southwest. Carlota accompanied him, and following the conference, they made their first trip to the Pacific Northwest. It was this trip that sparked Jim's and Carlota's love for Oregon. They moved to Salem, Oregon in 1961, and Jim served as Head of the Medical Technology Department of Salem General Hospital. They moved to Tigard in 1967 because Jim transferred to Providence Portland Medical Center and was also helping to found Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in Portland.

To many in Oregon, Jim is "Mr. Holley", the father, director and teacher of the Medical Laboratory Technician Program (MLT) program at Portland Community College, where he retired as Dean of Allied Health in 1996. Students would address other members of the faculty by their first names, but not Jim--he was Mr. Holley. This was to show him special respect for what he represented to them--their teacher, leader, and as a professional. Jim started the MLT program in the late 1960's, and nurtured it to earn state and national recognition.

Jim shared his passion and leadership talents with Oregon, ASCLS and the National Certification Agency for Clinical Laboratory Personnel (NCA). Jim moved up through the society's leadership ranks of Oregon, serving as the President (1967), the same year he was named Oregon's Medical Technologist of the Year. Jim continued serving the region and on the ASMT board as Region IX Director, culminating in his service to ASCLS as president (1986-87). Jim also served on the NCA Board of Directors between 1987 and 1993. His steadfast leadership style buoyed the ASCLS and NCA board members during those years of change and growth for the society. Jim remained unfaltering in his support of his profession and colleagues.

Jim was devoted to his profession throughout his entire career - even retirement! Although retired, he continued to attend state and national meetings-receiving recognition in 2007 for attending 51 national meetings (he attended the 2008 meeting in Washington DC and the 2009 meeting in San Diego--so that made 53!). His professionalism, leadership, mentorship, and constant support of his profession earned him Member of the Year and a variety of other honors from both the Oregon and ASCLS societies--proud moments from him and all those lives he has touched.

Another proud role Jim played was as the trip leader for Oregon-Costa Rica Partners of the Americas Retired Persons Exchange program. Carlota served as coordinator of this exchange program, established in 1987 for the purpose of cultural exchange and the civic education of retired persons. It is the only program of its kind, and it exists to this day. "Don Jim" as he was known in those circles, touched many lives and developed strong bonds of friendship leading the visits to Costa Rica, and hosting several Costa Rican families in Oregon over the years.

Jim had a great love for music. He played piano and enjoyed opera and classical music. He was thought of as someone who could "make anything". He had a mastery over fabric and textiles. He was an amazing tailor (making most of Carlota's wardrobe!) and also knitted and crocheted beautifully. In his later years, Jim became proficient in watercolor painting. In his final years, he knitted many afghans for family members, starting the first while living in a rehab facility. This served as motivation by his caregivers to develop a knitting and crocheting program for the facility members.

Jim is predeceased by his parents; brothers Aubrey "Buddy" and George Holley; an uncle William A. Holley; and an aunt Eunice Sessions. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Carlota; son Stephen; a sister, Linda Lewis; a brother, Robert L. Holley; and 4 nieces.

A Celebration of Jim's life followed by a reception will take place on Saturday, July 23rd, at 2pm, in Tigard United Methodist Church: 9845 SW Walnut Place, Tigard, Oregon, 97223

Remembrances in Jim's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or a scholarship being established in his name through ASCLS, Alpha Mu Tau.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR. (503) 292-6611