James Henry Holcomb, aged 95, of Gainesville, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012 at his residence after a brief illness.
Mr. Holcomb was born in Gainesville to the late P.L Holcomb and Martha Owens Holcomb. He enjoyed a career teaching in Gainesville and Hall County Schools where he touched the lives of countless young people. He joined the Gainesville Evening Optimist Club in 1959, and, in 1976, was asked to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the club, a position he held for 30 years. He was a Lt. Governor seven times and built eight new clubs. He was also a member of the Hall County Optimist Club. J.H., as he was known to all, was a member of GA Retired Educators Association, a member of American Legion Post 7 in Gainesville, a member of Lakewood Baptist Church and a WW II Army Air Corp veteran. He loved to travel and traveled extensively with his wife, Velma, before her passing and with fellow Optimists. He was a true gentleman and a devoted family man who cared for many family members before his own passing.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, P.L. Holcomb Jr., sisters Nelle Holcomb, Mildred Holcomb and Margaret Holcomb, brother-in-law William Abell and niece Allison Hallahan.
Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, William K. and Ruth Holcomb of Villa Rica; sister Imogene Abell of Columbus, GA and sister-in-law June Holcomb of Gainesville; nieces Kathy Mathis, Martha Louise Abell, Laurie Holcomb, Emily Holcomb, Sylvia Ramos, Susan Abell, Pam Abell and Gayle Holcomb; nephews Loic Connan, Bud Holcomb, Rick Mathis, Joe Abell and Jock Abell; and several great nieces and great nephews.
Mr. Holcomb was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Little and Davenport Funeral Home Chapel in Gainesville, followed by a meal and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holcomb Family Education Scholarship, benefiting Hall County students, in care of Hall County Optimist Club.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com.
Little and Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Hwy. Gainesville, GA 30501
770-534-5201
