HOLMES, James Edward Sr., "Jim," 81, of Mechanicsville, passed away peacefully at his home on December 1, 2016, with his family by his side. He was born December 27, 1934 in Richmond, to the late Aubrey B. and Dorothy H. Holmes. He was preceded in death by his brother, Aubrey B. "Buddy" Holmes Jr.; and sister, Ruth H. Warriner. Jim is survived by his wife of 20 years, Marian Y. Holmes; children, Linda G. Saunders (Mark) of Midlothian, Douglas E. Holmes (Sallie) of North Chesterfield, Marcus D. Holmes (Melinda) of Rome, Ga., Michaela H. Miers (Bryan) of Manakin-Sabot, James E. Holmes Jr. (Andrea) of Glen Allen, Lindsey B. Carter (Drew Leake) of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Jake R. Carter of Columbia S.C.; 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and sisters, Helen H. Jones and Francis H. Allen. Jim was an eternal optimist and cheerful giver. He was a Paul Harris fellow with the Rotary International and was honored for his faithful giving by the Children's Emergency Fund. He was a founder of the Hanover Children's Emergency Fund and started several local businesses including Holmes Enterprises, Holmes Steel Company, Richmond Roofing Company and Holmes Trailers. He lived life to the fullest, enjoying fishing, golfing, boating, sporting events and travel. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 5, 2016, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church of Ashland, where Jim was a member. The family will receive friends at the church from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 4, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, December 5. A reception will be held at the church from 12 to 1 p.m. on Monday, with a private graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Jim's favorite charities, the Hanover Christmas Mother, P.O. Box 39, Doswell, Va. 23047.