James St. Holmes

James "Big Jim" St. Holmes, age 93, of Erie, Michigan,formerly a 40 year resident of Canton, Michigan, went home to Heaven on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center where he was surrounded by his loving family. He was born to James and Charlotte Jenny (Means) St. Holmes in New York in May 13, 1920. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and while in the Navy he was a golden gloves boxing champion. Jim was a member of Abundant Life Ministries in Temperance, Michigan and American Legion Post #217 Wyandotte, Michigan. He married the love of his life, Norma M. (Pierson) St. Holmes on June 13, 1955 in Flat Rock, Michigan. Together they have celebrated 58 years of marriage.

A true cowboy at heart and very proud of his Native American heritage (Mohawk Tribe), he often enjoyed his horses and seeing the country as a long distance truck driver. Jim was a millwright by trade having worked for various auto and steel companies throughout his life.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Norma; daughters, Ruth Ann Barnhill, Lois Jean (Bill) Schmitt and Sandy Lynn (David) DesAutels; son, Donald (Sandra) Brittain; grandchildren, Yvonne, Janet, Eric, Rachael, Brian, Steven, Shannon, Sarah and Katherine; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Nicki Hays and Jean Ross; many nieces and nehpews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Mary Catherine "Rusty" St. Holmes; son, James Anthony Wallace St. Holmes; sister, Mary Hays; brothers, Melvin St. Holmes and Donald St. Holmes.
The family will receive guests on Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Abundant Life Ministries, 8971 Lewis Ave., Temperance, Michigan. Memorial Services will begin in the church on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.

For expressions of sympathy please consider memorial contributions may be made to Odyssey Hospice, 1745 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, Ohio 43537 or to Home Away from Home, 2213 Cherry St., Toledo, Ohio.