Jeray Allison Holmes

Jeray lived a long and vibrant life. He was raised in Renton, WA, and went to Central Washington University, in Ellensburg, where he got a business degree. After college, he became a Journeyman Electrician and joined the family electrical contracting business, Holmes Electric, which was started by his dad and the Richards family back in 1945. Jeray retired in 2000 but the company remains in the family, now run by his son, Mike. During his career, Jeray also played an instrumental role in starting two community banks--Renton Community Bank and Issaquah Bank-- and was an active member of the Renton Rotary.

In 1961 Jeray married Carolyn Williams, whom he affectionately called “Red” for both her fiery red hair and spirited personality, which perfectly complimented his own. Jeray and Carolyn embarked on a life full of fun and adventure, having 2 kids and many great friends! Jeray lived pedal to the metal with a smile on his face, a bit of mischief in his eyes, and a willing hand, always.

His passions included flying, boating, and skiing. Growing up watching Boeing launch war planes out of the Renton plant spurred his interest and knowledge in all things with wings. This led him to become a pilot for 50 years, rated in many different aircraft, and always willing to take people for rides!

Jeray was a family man and fix-it man! Most weekends, while raising kids, were spent boating around the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands with summer trips to Desolation Sound and SE Alaska. After joining the Seattle Yacht Club you would find him at the club outstations in his coveralls making repairs down in the bilge’s of friends boats! He served as the Commodore of Seattle Yacht Club in 1986 and took on many roles there over the years. Jeray and Carolyn enjoyed traveling with friends, skiing in Sun Valley, and golfing in the desert.

Jeray was all about his family and is lovingly survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn; his son Mike (Diane) Holmes, daughter Kara (Jeff) Wiper; grandchildren Jenaca (Shane) Cox, Kaitlin (Ryan) Tarbert, Cole (Jessica) Wiper and Chase Wiper; great-grandchildren Anderson, Riley, Evelyn, and Hayden, so far!

Check back on Dignity Memorial's website by searching for Jeray Holmes for details on a celebration of life event to be held in the coming months.

If you are compelled to memorialize Jeray please give to dementia research. Dementia is on the rise and stealing productive years from otherwise healthy people.