Jim Leroy Holladay

Jimmy Leroy Holladay, 86, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2023.  A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the First Christian Church, North Kansas City, with visitation preceding at 1:00pm.   The burial will follow at Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts be made in his memory to First Christian Church NKC, 2018 Gentry, North Kansas City, MO 64116.

Jim was born February 7, 1937 to Walter Leroy and Mary Frances (Kuester) Holladay in Lawrence, KS.  He was the eldest of  two sons.  He was an Eagle Scout and in the tribe of Mic-O-Say at Bartle Scout Camp.  He was the Battalion Commander in the Junior ROTC at Northeast High School and served in the United States Air Force Reserves. He also enjoyed playing his trombone in the marching and jazz bands.  He was a member of Budd Park Christian Church.

Upon graduation from high school, Jim was accepted into the work-study program offered through the General Motors Institute (now Kettering University).  He commuted between work at the Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas and his schooling in Flint, Michigan.  In 1959, he began his career as an industrial engineer and tooling foreman at the GM Fairfax plant. He was later involved in the robotics innovation at the plant.

After meeting Lorinda Neville on a blind date – romance led to marriage on June 11, 1960. Family life followed with the additions of Jana, Brett and Stacia.  Family time was very important to Jim. He planned many vacations as they explored the US in the station wagon with the pop-up camper in tow. The lake (Ozarks) was also a special time with the family.  He patiently taught his children to water ski, sail and fish and introduced them to scuba diving.  Late night card games were the perfect ending to a day at the lake.

Golf was Jim’s passion.  He was introduced to the game while working as a caddy in his teens. He enjoyed league play with friends and encouraged his children to play. There was nothing better than playing a round of golf with their father. He looked forward to winter golf in Texas, as he and Lorinda enjoyed many years at their home in Pharr. And, his “hole-in-one” was such a joyful memory!

Jim was an avid reader, a creator of projects in his workshop, a forever KC Chiefs supporter, and the best Grandpa.  He looked forward to time shared with his grandchildren watching many ballgames and swim meets. His eyes would light up when his great-grandchildren sat on his lap. He was his granddog Charlie’s biggest fan.

Jim was a man of few words, but his actions taught many life lessons to his children. His quiet faith was instilled in his family, never to be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Mary Holladay and sister-in-law Georgia Holladay.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lorinda; three children Jana Lane (Walt), Brett Holladay (Uli), Stacia Perdue (John); six grandchildren, Greg Lane (Kathryn), Lindsey Kreikemeier (Robert), Sarah Holladay, Lukas Holladay, James Perdue, Tyler Perdue; and six great-grandchildren, Jack, Cooper & Bennett Lane and Heidi, Rhett & Wyatt Kreikemeier; brother Bob Holladay; and his nieces Christine (Steven) Murray, Cheryl Holladay and nephew Chad (Melissa) Holladay.