James Edward Holland

Obituary For James Edward Holland

In loving memory of James "Jimmy" Holland, November 9, 1950 - February 11, 2025 Obituary It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of James "Jimmy" Edward Holland, on February 11, 2025. Jimmy was a dedicated veteran, and loving family member. Jimmy was born in Martinsville, Virginia, November 9, 1950. He lived a life marked by courage, service, and devotion to those he loved.

Jimmy graduated from Southside High School in 1969. Although he planned to attend college and become an engineer, Jimmy answered the call to serve his country. He was drafted in the United States Army on March 17, 1970. He attained the rank of Corporal (E-4) and served bravely as a Field Artilleryman (MOS 13A10). During his time in uniform, he completed his training with distinction and was deployed to Vietnam from September 29, 1970, to October 30, 1971, where he served with honor and commitment.

For his service, Jimmy was recognized with several awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. His dedication was further commemorated by the two overseas bars he earned, symbolizing his time spent in foreign service. After completing his active duty, Jimmy was honorably discharged on October 31, 1971, at Fort Lewis, Washington, and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve. He carried the values of duty, honor, and service into his civilian life, always demonstrating integrity, resilience, and kindness to those around him.

Jimmy lived life on his own terms-boldly, unapologetically, and with a spark of mischief that made every moment with him unforgettable. He was a man of many talents, a true jack-of-all-trades, he was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors, friends, and family, tackling any challenge with skill and determination. He was a storyteller whose quick wit could leave you in stitches or, depending on the day, shaking your head in exasperation.

Jimmy will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. He had an imagination that knew no bounds. He didn't just think outside the box-he often discarded the box entirely. He could build, fix, or tinker with just about anything, often dreaming up ideas that were years ahead of their time. If something was broken, Jimmy wasn't just going to repair it; he was going to reinvent it, likely adding a twist that made it more interesting (if not slightly more complicated). Never one to mince words, Jimmy spoke his mind with unfiltered honesty—a trait that could be both endearing and infuriating, sometimes in the same conversation. But those who knew him best understood that beneath that sharp tongue was a heart just as strong. He was a man who lived fully and never backed down from a challenge whether it was fixing something no one else could, telling a story no one else would believe, or making people see the world just a little differently. His legacy isn't just in what he built. He was fiercely loyal, and if he was in your corner, he was there for life.

He found and married the love of his life Christine "Chris" Angela Worrell, who preceded him in death on September 20, 2024. Jimmy is also preceded in death by his parents James Harry and Lula Mae Holland and three brothers Michael Leon Holland, Darryl Anthony Holland and Stephen Alsandro Holland.

Those left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy include his children, Edward Worrell of Callands, VA, Rondell Worrell of St. Thomas, VI, Monique Estes (Marco) of Martinsville, VA, Stephen Holland (Kari) of Martinsville, VA and Gwendolyn Morse of Queens, NY: seven grandchildren, Malik, Marquise, Makayla, Diyavian, Jasmen, Zaniya, Stephen Jr, Khafellah, Tyasia, Kevin and Korrin; four great grandchildren; four sisters, a brother and a host of other relatives, friends and loved ones.

Jimmy was one of a kind and the world will be a little less colorful without him. But those who knew him will carry forward his stories, his lessons, and maybe even a little of that wild imagination. Because if Jimmy taught us anything, it's that life is meant to be lived boldly, with a few good jokes along the way. Rest in peace, Jimmy. Your duty is done, but your legacy endures.

A family visitation will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Progressive Prayer Temple, 64 Cameron Road, Martinsville, VA at 11 a.m. until the time of his funeral service at 11:30 a.m. with Bishop Larry Robertson, eulogist and Elder Gerald Harris, presiding. The interment will be private.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.

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