James F. Holland

May your day be touched by a bit of Irish luck, brightened by a song in your heart and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.

James (Jim) F. Holland will always be remembered for his wonderful spirit, energy and his devotion to his family and faith. With his wife and children by his side, Jim passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at the age of 81. Jim leaves his wife, Linda (Fair), his son Dr. James Holland (Amy Byrne), his daughter Johanna Henry (Chip Henry), his pre-deceased son Timothy Holland (Teri Holland) and his grandchildren; Michael and Griffin Holland, Evan and Christian Henry and Haley and Emily Holland.

Born and raised in Nashua, he was the son of the late Margaret and Francis Holland and brother to the late Shirley Anne Hayward. He graduated Nashua High School Class of 1957. He and Linda were lifelong residents of Nashua, and enjoyed their retirement living on Cape Cod and then Newton, NH.

From an early age, Jim took his civic responsibility seriously. He served admirably in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era and then enjoyed a loyal career as a member of the Nashua Police Force. Jim was a New Hampshire State Representative and Nashua Alderman At Large. Using his strength in creating personal connections, Jim later pursued a career in real estate and sales.

Jim was a devout Catholic and his faith was the foundation for his marriage, his parenting, and how he conducted himself every day of his life. He was proud of his Irish Heritage and his Irish citizenship. He loved all of his Boston sports teams and he was a fervent Patriots fan. His children find it no coincidence that Jim passed only months after Tom Brady left the team.

As he was with his own children, Jim was actively involved in the lives of his grandchildren. Grampy, as he was fondly referred to, attended countless basketball, hockey, lacrosse, softball and soccer games and could be counted on to be the loudest cheerleader in the stands. He never showed up at his children's homes empty handed, always arriving with donuts or some other sweet he picked up along the way accompanied by a new joke. Jim was loved dearly by Linda's seven siblings and their families.

Jim will be missed by family and friends but his generous and loving spirit will remain in memory. May he enjoy eternal life in God's Kingdom.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated in Jim's honor at Saint Theresa's Church 820 Central Rd. Rye Beach, New Hampshire on Friday, June 19th at 11:00am. Family and friends are welcome to attend. Those attending are asked to follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask. Saint Theresa's capacity is reduced to 40%.

In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that a donation be made to his favorite organization; The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northern New England 114 Perimeter Road Nashua, NH 03063 or CFF.org/NewEngland.