John Holmes

Captain John L. Holmes, Jr, 95, USN retired, passed away peacefully among family and friends at his Atlantic Beach home, July 9, 2014. A native of Jacksonville, Fl., he was born August 6, 1918. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Harriet Holmes Raffo and his beloved wife, Harriet Elizabeth Clarkson Holmes, "Betty".

He is survived by his son John L. Holmes, III (Teresa), brother Roger B. Holmes, son-in-law Tom Raffo, 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

After attending Sewanee, he served 241/2 years in the U.S. Navy retiring in 1965 at the attained rank of Captain. He served in WWII with various duties including gunnery officer on a carrier in the Pacific theater. After the war, among his many duties, he commanded the USS Blair, DE 147 and the USS Ingraham, DD 694. Upon his retirement from the Navy, he joined his brother, Rogers "Tiger" Holmes at Holmes Lumber Co., where he eventually became president. He was an avid golfer, swimmer and fisherman and will be missed immensely by all who knew him.

Arrangements are under the care of Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens (904)249-2374. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 22, at 10:30 am, at St. Paul's By The Sea, 465 11th. Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach, Fl. A reception will follow the service at the church. Burial will take place at 1:30pm at Evergreen Cemetery, Gate 5, 4535 Main St., Jacksonville, Fl. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harriet Holmes Raffo Memorial Fund, c/o UF Health, Office of Development, 580 W. 8th. St., Jacksonville, Fl., 32208.