James Walter Holmes

A native of King William County, he was born on April 14, 1928, to the late Samuel S. and Delina R. Holmes. He was educated in King William County Schools. After graduating from King William Training School in 1944 he enrolled in Virginia State College (VSU). In 1948 he graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Education. He served in the U.S. Army, 88th Airborne Infantry from 1950- 1952. He retired from the U.S. Naval Weapons Station after serving as a Transportation Equipment Maintenance Foreman for 32 years.

Deacon Holmes is survived by his wife Emma, their children Martha Lewis (Morris), James, Jr. (Martha) and Cheryl; a sister- in- law, Barbara Holmes; his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

As a member of First Baptist Jefferson Park, Deacon Holmes held numerous positions in ministry. He was especially enthusiastic about sharing his dominant Spiritual Gifts:

Intercessory Prayer, Giving, Teaching, Wisdom and Administration. His roles included Chairman of the Deacon Board, Member of the Finance Committee, Church Clerk, Adult Sunday School Teacher and Prayer Band Coordinator. As Church Administrator from 1997- 2000, he executed all pastoral responsibilities except preaching.

Deacon Holmes had a strong commitment to the Body of Christ. He formed many relationships outside of his local church as he pursued Christian Education and united with organizations where members shared his commitment. He earned a Certificate of Religious Studies from the Evans-Smith Leadership Institute sponsored by Virginia Union University and the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. Deacon Holmes was a Life Member of the Virginia State Baptist Deacon's Convention Women's Auxiliary and Youth Department, the Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress of Virginia and the Tidewater Peninsula Baptist Association Laymen's League. He was also a member of the Peninsula Baptist Deacons and Deaconess Council. Deacon Holmes made annual trips to fellowship during Homecoming at Third Union Baptist Church and Gethsemane Baptist Church in King William.

Deacon Holmes established and maintained strong community ties on the Peninsula and in surrounding areas. He was affectionately known as the "MAYOR OF CARVER GARDENS." He was appointed to the York County Planning Commission in 1960 and had the distinction of being the first African American to serve in an elected or appointed office in York County since Reconstruction. He served 12 years as a member an also held the position of Vice Chairman during his tenure. He was also appointed to the Welfare Board (Social Services Bureau) in 1968 and served two four-year terms and was Vice Chairman and Chairman during his last term.

His other affiliations include membership in the following organizations:

Virginia State University Alumni Association- Williamsburg Chapter - served as President and Chaplain. He loved to support his Alma Mater by attending the CIAA Tournament. NAACP- York/James City/Williamsburg Branch- Achieved Life Member and Golden Heritage status, Member NAACP Million Dollar Club. Served as Treasurer and supporter of ACT-SO, Colonial Virginia Council of the Boy Scouts of America- District Commissioner, Member of the Order of the Arrow, recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service to Youth, and recognized by the Association of Baptists for Scouting/ Boy Scouts of America for Distinguished Service as a Good Shepherd.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated:

Deacon Holmes was initiated into the Alpha Alpha Alpha Chapter in 1946. He held the offices of Chapter President, Chaplain and Treasurer.

He was a Charter Member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma and Zeta Delta Sigma Chapters of Hampton and its vicinity. He served as Chapter President, Vice President, Chaplain and Assistant Director of the Sigma Beta Club. He represented the chapter as Delegate and served on multiple committees including Grievance, Law and Revision, Awards and Citations, Chapter Reports and Necrology.

He was a Life Member, Member of the National Giving Club, the Eastern Region 100 Club and a supporter of the National Legal Defense Fund.

He received numerous awards including Sigma Man of the Year, Outstanding Sigma Achievement Award, Quarter Century Award, and Chapter Recognition for 50 Years of Service.

A visitation for James will be held Friday, November 12, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia 23188. A service will occur Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 3:00 PM, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia 23188. A reception following service will occur Saturday, November 13, 2021, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia 23188. An interment will occur Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, Virginia 23434.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution "In Memory of Deacon James Holmes" to the Children's Home of Virginia Baptists, Inc. 6900 Hickory Rd. South Chesterfield, VA 23803 (804) 590-2080.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Holmes family.