James E. Holden

James E. Holden Sr., of Arcadia, FL, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2022. He was born on January 11, 1947, to Duane Holden and Geraldine Holden in McKeesport, PA.

James joined the Navy in 1966 and served 5 yrs. 2 months and 28 days (this was his standard answer when asked how long he was in the military). He loved music and was an avid Karaoke singer. James was known as “Kenny Rogers” at all Karaoke venues he blessed with his singing. He loved to fish and camp and all types of outdoor activities. James was a certified diver and enjoyed diving when he had a chance. He always had a few projects going at the same time.

James moved from Florida to Ohio in 2000. James and Lynda moved back to Florida in 2005 to be closer to his family and have lived here since. He was a retired maintenance mechanic and his last job was working at the Walmart Distribution center where he retired in 2009. James owned his own construction business for several years.

James was a member of the American Legion (you could find him there most Thursday nights singing Karaoke). He was also a member of the VFW.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 22 years, Lynda Holden. She learned early on not to say “I would like….” Or “wouldn’t be nice to have…” because Lynda would come home to surprises based on those words. She ended up with ducks, goats, puppies, and a variety of other things he thought would make me happy.

James is survived by his wife Lynda Holden; daughters Susan Holden (Gregg) of St. Petersburg Florida. Kaleigh Backscheider (Mike) of Cincinnati Ohio; His sons James E. Holden Jr. of Florida. John Foss III (Ashley) of Battle Creek Michigan; His sisters Karen Pierce (Jim) of Largo Florida. Ruthann Brightwell (Danny) of Brasston NC; 2 nieces and 3 nephews; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his father Duane Holden and mother Geraldine Holden.