Birth Date:
1916-11-22
Deceased Date:
2010-09-25
Obituary:
Passing of Family Torch Barer The late Patriarch and Torch Barer of our family, James A.Holley was born November 22, 1916 in Prescott, Arkansas to Jim Lott Holley and Lucy Smith Holley (Mama Lucy). He was the third oldest child in a family of five siblings. James's parents and four of his brothers and sisters preceded him in death. James was honored by the family on April 30, 2006 as a Torch Barer. He was 93 years old in his passing. Obituary: Holley, James A.Nov 22, 1916 - Sep 25, 2010How does one sum up a life well lived? It cannot be done. James Holley 'Big Jim' loved his life's journey and lived it to the fullest until his health began to fail. He was a man of integrity and 'generous to a fault!' He would share his laughter, jokes and joy with others. He loved to talk and sing and, after an all-day fishing trip, he would share his 'catch-of-the-day' with family and friends! Born in Prescott, Arkansas on November 22, 1916, he departed this life on September 25, 2010. Jim wed his beautiful wife, Hazel Lee Basden nearly 75 years ago on December 23, 1935, whom he leaves behind to cherish his memory, along with six children - Dorothy Holley-Harris, Evelyn Holley-Givens, Lucy Holley-Foster (David), James Holley, Jr., Jerry Holley and Marcella Holley- a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws and many friends! 'Big Jim' holds the (self-proclaimed) distinction of 'Best Fisherman' and small game 'Hunter' in Omaha! Ask anyone who has ever fished or hunted with him and they would (in all probability) agree! He could hold you 'captive' for hours' relating many tales of his fishing and hunting exploits...what great stories! Jim and wife Hazel moved to California in May 2009, however, Jim returned to Omaha for the past 16 months and passed away while a resident of the Montclair Rehabilitation and Nursing facility. He would have celebrated his 94th birthday in 58 days! Mr. James A. Holley loved the Lord and was bold in speaking of his great love for his Heavenly Father. He loved singing songs of Zion - one of his favorites 'There's a New Name Written in Glory...Guess Who it is?' We know that Jim Holley's name was written in Glory early in the morning of Saturday, September 25, 2010 as he entered through the portals of Heaven into the presence of God! The angels were singing 'Glory' and 'Welcome!' He was such a gracious and generous person who will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The Holley family wishes to give special thanks to Dad's Pastor, Rev. Thomas Smith and the Paradise Baptist Church family for their love and support. He so loved (and missed) Pastor Smith and his Paradise Family!VISITATION will be held at Thomas Funeral Home Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 6pm to 8pm. A FUNERAL SERVICE to celebrate Jim Holley's life will be held at Paradise Baptist Church at 12 noon, on Friday, October 1, 2010. In lieu of flowers, do a kindness as 'Big Jim' would have done daily. You could often find him driving down Ames Ave., as well as on 24th Street, with food in his van to feed those who were less fortunate - the homeless and hungry! He didn't need a committee - he was a committee of one...and with Jim and Jesus, there were'two or more!' He was known in the 'city gates' for being available for others when they were in need...that was his Creed! [2 Timothy 4:6-8'...I have fought the good fight.']