James Marion Holbrook Jr.

James Marion Holbrook, Jr, 89, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away on November 4, 2019. He was born March 31, 1930 to James M. “Banty” and Ruth W. Holbrook in Coeburn, VA and grew up in Bartley, WV. After graduating from Greenbrier Military School, he served in the Korean War, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force. He married Mildred Steele and had three sons, James M., III, George D. and Charles J. Holbrook and one daughter, Christina Holbrook Evans.

He worked as an Aircraft Mechanic, then Inspector for Eastern Airlines for 30 years and then Q.C. Laboratories in Miami, FL before retiring to Punta Gorda. Having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a boy, He became active again in Boy Scouts as an adult with his children. He served as Chairman of Troop 23 and Chairman of the Advancement Committee for the Hurricane District.

He earned the Wood Badge and beads, and was awarded the District Award of Merit and also the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service for his positive impact on the lives of youth. He also helped youth that were not in the scouting program. He volunteered often at the Children’s Home Society of FL, giving his time and mechanical skills while mentoring and encouraging kids. He enjoyed bass fishing in the Everglades and off shore fishing for dolphin in Miami’s Gulfstream. He took his wife, 3 sons and 5 nephews on a 10 day canoe trip down the Suwanee River and took his wife on a 250 mile trip down the Mississippi River.

He loved to write poetry and short stories. As a gift to his 6 grandchildren, he wrote and published a book with all of them in the story called, “Emily, I think I saw Heaven”. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda.

The family will receive friends from 10:00am till 11:00am, Monday November 11, 2019 at the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. The Funeral Service will begin at 11am Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. Bob Carlson officiating. Burial to follow at the Fort Ogden Cemetery.