James L. Holmes, 81 of Aledo, passed away Tuesday morning, May 28, 2024, at his home after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 1, at Fippinger Funeral Home, Aledo. A private inurnment will be at a later date in Peniel Cemetery, Joy. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County Historical Society or to the Mercer County Agricultural Society. Online condolences may be left at www.fippingerfuneralhome.com.
Jim was born to Victor and Willodean Whitehall Holmes in Moline, Illinois, on July 3, 1942. He attended the Eliza grade school and graduated from Joy High School in 1960. He married his High School sweetheart, Twyla (Morrow) Holmes at The Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa, on June 21, 1960.
He embarked on a career as a Chrysler automobile mechanic and while working at Learner Sales & Service in Rock Island, he attained the Master Mechanic Award. He also worked as a draftsman at the Corps of Engineers in Rock Island prior.
Jim was passionate about his community and found any chance he could to give back. He was a large High School sports fan, and could be found at various sporting events every week. He helped build the Apollo diamond when he was a member of the Mercer County Church Softball League. He served on the Aledo City Council and Zoning Board for 13 years, retiring in 2023. He also was a board member on the Mercer County Historical Society.
Above all, Jim’s greatest love was his family. Jim was proud that he was able to crochet numerous afghans for his family and loved ones over the years, finishing his last one this past weekend. He is survived by his wife, Twyla; son, Jeff Holmes of Muscatine; daughter, Barb (Ray) Olson of Aledo; daughter, Brenda (Pat) Partlow of Aledo; son, Delane (Misty) Holmes of Aledo; daughter, Vicki (Hector) Correa of Roselle; grandchildren, Jacki and Leslie (Jeff), Barry and Tiffany (Barb), Bailey, Logan, and McKayla (Brenda), Teague and Payton (Delane), and Lexi and Sydney (Vicki); and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Warren and Phyllis Morrow.