James Stanley Holland, age 79, of Decatur died October 15, 2025, at his residence. Parkway Funeral Home is assisting his family with arrangements. Guestbook available at www.parkwayfunerals.com.
He was born in Toronto, Canada and grew up in Athol, MA. He graduated from Athol High School in 1962, and graduated from Syracuse University. Reunited with his high school sweetheart, Joan, they married in 1980 and lived happily together for the next 45 years. Jim was well known throughout the community for the restaurants he owned and operated with Joan, including The Alleyway, J J Mac’s, and Main Street Bistro. He was a gifted writer with four published novels, and crossword puzzles, several of which appeared in the New York Times. He found joy on the golf course and continued to play multiple times a week. His creativity and gentle spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Dorothy Holland, and two brothers, Fred Holland and Rich Holland.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Joan Bickley Holland; daughters, Tori Rebman (Presley) of Chelsea and Amy Fanning (Barry) of Decatur; sister, Linda Pelletier; and four beloved grandchildren, Alice Casey “Ali” Rebman, Robert Presley Rebman, Ella Kathryn Foster, and Olivia Reese Foster.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.
