DANVILLE – For 78 years, the world was blessed to have James R. Holmes Jr. as a husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, teacher, EMT, council member, church leader and friend. He left this world on Feb. 11, 2021, surrounded by the love of his family: Sherrie Holmes, his wife of 54 years; his two daughters, Jennifer Ferenbaugh and Amy Ryan; and his four grandchildren, Allyson (Jack) Rosemore, Nick Huffman, Justice Ferenbaugh and Tessa Ferenbaugh. Jim is also survived by brother, Bill (Linda) Holmes of Erie, PA; sister, Mary (Bob) Beichner of Raleigh, NC; brother-in-law, John (Mary) Loyd; and sister-in-law Jane (Mike) Addair of Danville; along with many nieces and nephews.
He has been reunited with his parents, James R. Holmes Sr. and Ruth (Davis) Holmes of Erie, Pennsylvania; his brother, Richard Holmes, also of Erie; and his granddaughter, Jordan.
Born on Jan. 15 1943, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Jim made his home in Danville, Ohio, in 1965. He taught government and history at Danville Schools for 44 years and established their Mock Trial Program, whose first team was named “Team Holmes” in his honor. He volunteered as an EMT and firefighter for the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District and served as a member of the Danville Village Council. He was a leader at and member of the Danville Church of Christ. He made a difference in his community and in the lives of everyone he met and will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a future date at the Danville Church of Christ.
To honor his memory in lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to one of the following organizations in his name: Hospice of Knox County and North Central Ohio, 17700 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 (online at hospiceofnorthcentralohio.org); or the Danville Mock Trial Program, in care of Danville Local Schools, 405 S. Market St., Danville, OH 43014.
The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is assisting with arrangements. Condolences can be shared at fischerfuneralhome.com.
