Johnny, who was called Jay Jay by his family and friends was born in Panama City, Florida on December 21, 1961. After attending a Head Start Program in Salisbury, Maryland he then attended Salisbury Elementary School before attending school in Camp Lejeune, N.C., East Meadow High School, Long Island New York, and finally graduating from Oceanside High School in Oceanside, California before attending Palomar College, San Marcos, California. John later graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California. John and his siblings were military “Brats” and because of his dad’s military career moved often within the United States.
John exceled in several sports throughout his school years including baseball, wrestling (where he earned numerous awards both in High School & College), and Lacrosse. John after graduating from college continued his interest in sports by adding water sports to his active lifestyle such as becoming a certified scuba diver, a kayaking instructor, canoeing, and spear fishing among other outdoor activities. John also became efficient in a martial art and fighting technique called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that helps people of any size defend themselves. One of John’s greatest loves was his beloved animals, especially his dogs. John owned two beautiful rottweiler dogs, Damien & Darius who served as his Therapy Dogs. After Damien passed, John purchased Darius. In fact, John even opened his own business which was a Pet Sitting and dog exercising business.
John was preceded in death by his life partner Molly Cavanaugh; his sister Barbara Lynn Holbrook; his uncle John Coleman, his aunts, Arejean (Coleman) Keys, Brenda James, & Betty (Leak) Edwards; his maternal grandparents the Rev. Claude and Lena Mae Coleman; his fraternal grandparents, Olvin Alex Holbrook & Mamie Viola (Elzey) Holbrook.
John is survived by his sisters Lucretia (Holbrook) Washington, Rena (Holbrook) Holmes (Scott), and Phylicia (Holbrook) Henry (Randolph); his parents Bobby L.R. Holbrook & Lessie (Coleman) Holbrook; Nephews, Raheen Cumberbatch, Robert D. Henry (Stephanie), Ian M. Holmes, Michael Henry, Stephen Henry. Nieces, Ilisha Holmes, Ilexis Holmes, & Latasha Washington. Great Nephews, Talen Holmes, Rahmel Cumberbatch, Raheen Cumberbatch Jr., Robert D. Henry-Denden, Jr., and Elias I. Henry and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives, extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be 1:00PM, November 13, 2021 at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Oldsmar, West Hillsborough Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa, Florida 33635 with Pastor Randy Henry of God’s Family Church Center, officiating.
Arrangements are by Blount and Curry Funeral Home Oldsmar, West Hillsborough Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa, Florida 33635.
The Holbrook family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to entire medical staff at St. Joseph Hospital – Main, that were involved in the care and treatment of the late Johnny J. Holbrook.
The family wishes to also express heartfelt thanks to everyone for your kindness, donations, and love during this time of bereavement.
We pray that God will bless each of you today.
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