James Joseph Holmes

James Joseph Holmes

Tempe, AZ

James Joseph Holmes of Tempe, AZ (Formerly of Cedar Rapids) passed away on December 27, 2023. James was born on February 20, 1984 in Dubuque, IA.

James was an extremely loyal son and brother, the sweetest of uncles, and he had a loving, gentle heart. Life will not be the same without his wonderful contagious laugh, his ability to organize family reunions, and his drive to keep his mother’s holiday recipes alive. He attended Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, IA and earned an Eagle Scout Award prior to graduation in 2002.

James was a U.S. Army veteran who honorably served with the 10th Mountain Division, completing combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He returned from combat with compounding health issues which he diligently attended to until his untimely passing. In his post-Army life, he was a lifelong learner with a 4.0 GPA at Mesa Community College. James enjoyed crazy-spicy foods, cooking his specialty, yakisoba noodles, polar plunges, off-roading, camping, Bob Marley music, attending heavy metal concerts, and survival prepping. He was the proud and fiercely protective owner of Kuato, AKA his “son,” an adorable Boston terrier.

He is survived by his father Thomas (Marilyn) Holmes, his stepfather Derek Hong, his siblings Oliver, Sylvia, Emily (Don), William, Jessica (Jason), Randall (Bora), and Alex (Melissa) Holmes as well as numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Hong.

Memorial services will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City on Saturday, April 27 at 11 am. Graveside military honors will be followed by a reception.