James Benjamin Holmes, Sr.

Obituary For James Benjamin Holmes, Sr.

James Benjamin Holmes Sr. was born July 16, 1944, in Andrews, South Carolina to the union of Julia Fraizer and Samuel Holmes. As the sun sets on June 26, 2024, in Freeport, New York, James has now found eternal rest. He was lovingly cared for by his daughter Michelle and son-in-law William until James answered the call to return unto the earth. His spirit soared alongside the bright morning sun he cherished so deeply, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love.

James grew up in the warm embrace of Savannah, Georgia, where he found a love for the ever-changing skies and the gentle Southern breezes. James was part of a large family and enjoyed a close protective relationship with his three younger sisters Carrie, Linda and Betty.

He was proudly a part of The Great Migration relocating to Ohio making Youngstown his residence in 1968.He was united in holy matrimony to the former Michele A. Patterson in Youngstown and shared an enduring love for over 40 years despite her passing on December 27, 2019. Together they loved and nurtured four wonderful children, James (Eva) Benjamin Holmes Jr., Michelle (William) Lynn Grissett, Tonia R. Whitfield and Keisha R. Bills-Williams.

James, a lifelong scholar, was a courageous and brilliant man. He embraced every opportunity to absorb and acquire knowledge and understanding. He bestowed this respect for knowledge onto his children and grandchildren. He was a self-taught computer connoisseur and loved technology. He was an avid history collector with over 1000 sports cards, VHS tapes of historical events, limited edition magazines, newspapers, books, and vinyl records.

James was fascinated with time, humanity, and how our actions affected our world. However, his favorite topic of discussion was undoubtedly the weather. He loved to spend time in nature and often fishing at Mosquito Lake or taking walks through Mill Creek Park. It should be noted that on the day of his passing, it was 81 degrees, and the sun was surrounded with fluffy white clouds.

A man of integrity and dedication, James devoted four decades of his life to Servi-Clean and Domestics Uniform, formerly known as the Towel Supply, where his loyalty and excellence shone through as Plant Manager until his well-deserved retirement.

With a heart so generous and a spirit so resilient, James touched the lives of many, weaving a tapestry of laughter and shared moments that will forever linger in the fabric of time. His boundless love and unwavering support nurtured bonds that surpass the constraints of mortality, creating a legacy of compassion that will endure eternally.

In the symphony of life, his spirit will continue to resonate like a melody that transcends time and space, comforting us with the knowledge that love is eternal. Though James may have left this physical world, his essence remains in the gentle whispers of the wind and the tender caress of sunlight on our faces.

James leaves a rich legacy emboldened by his four children and their children Kourtnee S. Wallace, Derrick L Wallace Jr., Peyton N. Holmes and Benjamin Ronell Williams, along with an expansive score of siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

James now assumes his rightful place among the ancestors, he was welcomed as he crossed into eternity by his mother, Julia Fraizer (2015), father, Samuel Holmes (2005), wife Michele A. Holmes (2019), and sister, Eleanor Ward (2006).

As family will gather to honor and celebrate the life of James, they shall also embrace the memories that dance like flickering candlelight in the darkness of grief. The celebration of life ceremonies to commemorate his legacy will be held on a date which will serve as a bridge between the past we cherish and the future we embrace.

James enjoyed an appreciation and respect for nature which is acknowledged in his request to ultimately return to his beloved community of Savanah for a water burial. A public service is pending.

The beloved family of James Benjamin Holmes Sr. elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown OH 330.782.8500