James C. Holmes

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[James C. "Jim" Holmes, 82, of Zeigler, Illinois passed away at 9:00 a.m., Sunday, June 13, 2010 at the Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin surrounded by his family.

James was born Jan. 17, 1928 in Franklin County near Valier, to Henry Eugene and Verda Estella (Reeves) Holmes.

He married Mary Belle Gibbs in Franklin County in June of 1949. She preceded him in death in October of 1997.

He married Vera Mae Bush April 11, 1968 at the Greenwood Methodist Church in Valier. She preceded him in death Oct. 26, 2001.

He married Mary Lou Ehlmann March 21, 2003 in Benton, Illinois. She survives in Zeigler.

Other survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Vicky Holmes of Du Quoin; two grandchildren; four great grandchildren; a sister, Helen (Holmes) Beckham; a brother, Vernon Holmes both of Du Quoin; five step-daughters; two step-sons; several step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

His parents; four brothers, William Neville, Charles Tennison and Herbert and Harold Holmes also preceded him in death.

Mr. Holmes served his country honorably in the United States Army from June of 1946 to October of 1947 and was stationed with the Army of Occupation in Japan after World War II. He retired from MCA Records in Pinckneyville. He was of the Protestant Faith. Jim enjoyed gardening and tinkering with small engine repair.

Funeral services for Mr. Holmes were held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at Vantrease Funeral Home in Zeigler with Brother Wayne Purdie officiating. Burial was at Denning Cemetery in Orient. Visiting hours were from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Holmes are suggested to the Foot of the Cross Church in Zeigler. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Visit www.vantreasefuneralhome.com for more information and to sign the online register book.