James Albert Holmes

James Albert Holmes, 96, of Orlinda, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026. He was born on February 25, 1929, in Orlinda, to the late Paul Browder Holmes and Irene Smart Holmes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of nearly sixty-five years, Betty Rainwater Holmes, his sister, Pauline Holmes (Marvin) Smith, his brother, William Harry Holmes, and his brother-in-law, Alton (Annette) Rainwater.

James graduated from Orlinda High School in 1947. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was employed at Inland Steel in East Chicago, Indiana, a few years before returning to Orlinda to raise crops and garden produce on his farm. He also worked for many years for the Tobacco Supply Company in Springfield, Tennessee, and retired from there in 1994.

James grew up during the Great Depression, which had a profound impact on him. He learned to work hard, save rigorously, and spend carefully. James embodied the adage, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” His life of nearly a century reflected principles of diligence, consistency, and faithfulness.

Much of James’s life involved devoted service to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Orlinda. He obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ and became a member of the congregation at age eleven. Later James occupied numerous church roles and responsibilities, served as the church’s treasurer for over forty-three years, and was set apart as a deacon.

James is remembered fondly by all those who survive him, including his son, Chris (Beth) Holmes. James took great pride in his grandson, Henry. James is also survived by a brother-in-law, Donald (Tommie) Rainwater, of Warner Robins, Georgia, and a sister-in-law, Linda (Charles) Watts of Springfield, Tennessee, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral service in memory of James will be conducted at noon on Wednesday February 25, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Orlinda, with Rev. Mark Carroll and Dr. Chris Holmes officiating. He will be buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at noon.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

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