James Holley

James “Jim” Carrol Holley, a devoted family man, a skilled craftsman of the oil fields, and a beloved cornerstone of the Comstock community, passed away in Del Rio, Texas, on June 19, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born in Vernon, Texas, on April 24, 1936, Jim’s life was marked by adventure, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. As a drilling specialist, his career took him across the globe, from the offshore rigs of Australia to vital defense projects for the Department of Defense at the Nevada nuclear test site during the Vietnam War.

After years of traveling the world, Jim chose to plant deep roots in Comstock, Texas, where he and his wife, Peggy, opened a local landmark - Holley’s Place. He later partnered with his daughter, Julie, transforming the beloved bar into J&J Holley’s Place, a welcoming bar and grill where his warmth, grit, and community spirit were on display every day.

Outside of work, Jim was a man of simple and enduring pleasures. He loved western movies, working in his woodshop, listening to books, a cold Coors Light, and the company of his family and the many loyal dogs he cherished over the years. Like any true Texan, he also spent a good portion of his life patiently, and sometimes loudly, waiting for the Dallas Cowboys to win the Super Bowl just one more time.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Holley; his sister, Patricia Bell; his daughter, Julie Holley Farrell; his son, Don Holley; his stepdaughters, MaryLou Crocker (John), and Elizabeth Mielke (Dan). He is also missed by his nieces, Johnna Bell, Debbie Harris, Shirley Choate, and Nancy Martinez. His legacy lives on through his grandsons, Carson James Farrell, Chase Allan Farrell (Amber Hernandez Farrell), Matthew Crocker (Dana), William Crocker; granddaughters Elyssa Vella (Danny), and Ashley Yoxey (Ron); his 3 great-grandsons and 3 great-granddaughters.

He is proceeded in death by his previous wife Eunice Holley, his brother, LC Holley, and sister, Billie Jean Roberts.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, June 26th, 5:00 PM at the Comstock Community Center. Family, friends, and patrons are invited to come together, raise a glass, and share their favorite stories of a life incredibly well-lived.