James F. Holmes

James F. Holmes, 92, of Carterville, and formerly of Anna and Cairo, died at 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on Jan. 19, 1927, in St. Louis, the son of Frank J. and Mary Cammack Holmes. 

He married Betty Jean Riley on June 15, 1951.

He graduated from Cairo High School in Cairo, Illinois in 1944. He went into the Army right out of high school at the age of 18. He was sent to Virginia and then on to Korea during his service in the Army. 

Upon his return from the military, he worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and then for Edgar Stephens Construction Company, where he met Betty Jean.

He was later employed by MIT selling heavy construction equipment. His last place of employment was Century 21 Real Estate in Carterville.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Holmes of Carterville; a daughter, Beverly (Gary) Holmes Grimm of Columbiana, Ohio; grandchildren Gerard (Chelsea) Grimm of Columbiana, Ohio, and Stephen Grimm of Columbiana, Ohio; great-grandchildren Gibson and Sullivan, both of Columbiana, Ohio; many other relatives and friends.

Mr. Holmes was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, at Crain Funeral Home Egyptian Chapel in Energy, with Pastor Ray Long officiating.  

Interment was in Mound City National Cemetery in Mound City, with full military honors provided by the Illinois honor guard and American Legion Post No. 178.

Memorials can be made to Carterville First United Methodist Church.

Crain Funeral Home Egyptian Chapel in Energy was in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.