James Lewis Holman was born on October 27, 1926 to James Louis and Lillian Holman. He attended many elementary schools in Oak Park, Illinois. He served in the US Navy from December 1944 until his honorable discharge in July of 1946. He returned to Oak Park High School to complete his high school education and graduated in 1947. He attended Shurtleff College in Alton, IL. He married Elizabeth Ann Owens on June 18, 1948 and the two of them graduated on their second wedding anniversary from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management.

In 1950, Jim and Betsy settled in Wheaton, IL. With their adoption application in at The Cradle, they learned that Betsy was expecting. They welcomed Craig in 1956, Bonnie in 1959, Tracy in 1962 and Mark in 1968.

Following his divorce from Betsy, he married Geraldine Wilson on December 26, 1982. They enjoyed traveling, especilly the Fiji Islands, and their time spent in the Peace Corps.

Jim was a vivacious person who loved being socially involved and meeting new people. Strangers were only friends he had not yet met. He was active in Chicago Boys Clubs, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra (basoonist), Kiwanis International, Boy Scouts of America, the Whittier School PTA, Indian Guides, B R Ryall YMCA (as member of Board of Directors, Aquatic and Scuba Instructor), Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois, and the Peace Corps.

Jim was the office Manager for a Cardiovascular Surgery Group at Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital in Chicago which included Drs. Julian, Dye, Hunter, Javid, Najafi, Golden and Serry. He hadalso served as a senior accountant at Montgomery Ward. Other healthcare related jobs included work at Henrotin Hospital and his final job at the DuPage County Health Department.

Initially Jim was raised in the Baptist faith. Later he worshipped as a Methodist. For the last forty years or so, Jim has been active in the Baha'i faith.

Jim suffered a fall at home in early October, 2016, in which he severely fractured his right shoulder and elbow.  Though he did have his arm surgically repaired, his chronic lung disease, congestive heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension ultimately inhibited his recovery and contributed  to his death from sepsis on December 20, 2016. Throughout his recuperation, he continued to exhibit a positive attitude and participated fully in his rehabilitation program. As he struggled to fight on, he continued to bring smiles to his caregivers.

Deepest gratitude is extended the staff in the Critical Care Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove, IL, for their loving care, laughter, and Christmas spirit that they provided to Dad. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the staff at Burgess Square Rehab Center in Westmont, IL, for their fantastic efforts, excellent care and looking the other way while Jim set up an office with his computer in his room.  Undying thanks to Dr. Fajardo for giving him back full use of his arm and the staff at Advocate Heart Institute (formerly Midwest Heart Specialists) for the exceptional care, support and ingenuity throughout his last few years (Dr. Ali Valika, Dr. Maria Rosa Costanzo, Debbie Johnson, RN, Mary Digate, APN, Mary Nashert, APN, Dr. Discher, Dr. Rowley, Dr. Fenner, Dr. Raju, and Dr. Sabaliauskas).

Dad was the most tuned in ninety-year old ever! He was happiest when checking his email and Facebook. He continued to love learning and was mentally sharp right up until his death. He was a realist and was able to roll with the punches life threw his way. He was thrilled to be the longest living member of his family, Betsy's family and Gerry's family.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Bill, his sister Florence,  his daughter Bonnie, his second wife Gerry (2013), his first wife Betsy (2014), and his sister-in-law Hope Bulger (2015). He will be profoundly missed by his children, Craig, Tracy and Mark (Ann) and grandchildren (Cole Coats, Bonnie (AJ) Crivolio, Chance Coats, Ian Holman, Violet Holman, Isaac Holman, Myrna Holman, Titus Holman and Alistair Holman). He will be deeply missed by David and Cherie Bulger, Karen Diggs (Dr. Chana Akins), Mark and Jamie Bulger, Sabrina, Emilia and Maia- Gerry's sister Hope's children and grandchildren which Dad considered his own family as well. Additionally, Jim will be remembered by his nephew, John (Karis) Holman and niece, Jean Holman Chaillie.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association would be appreciated.