Obituary of James L Holderness

James L.”Jim” Holderness, 82 lifetime rural Iowa City farmer died at his home surrounded by those he loved on Sunday, April 8, 2018.

There will be a time for family and friends to gather to celebrate Jim’s life on Thursday, April 12th. from 4 to 7pm at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service (Casual attire encouraged and expected, bibs optional).  A private family graveside service with military honors will be held at Oakland Cemetery, as per Jim’s wishes.  A memorial fund has been established to support those causes important to Jim.  To share a thought, memory or condolence with Jim’s family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.

James Lloyd Holderness was born July 23, 1935, in Iowa City the son of Wilson “Pat” Lloyd Holderness and Mary (Breese) Holderness. Following graduation from Tiffin High School in 1953, Jim enlisted in the United States Army serving his country during the Korean Conflict.  Jim returned to Iowa City where he married Marlene Esther Madden on February 12, 1957.  The couple farmed on the family farm where they raised their family.  Jim also worked at the University of Iowa for a number of years. Jim loved the simple things in his life, his family, friends and the farm, just didn’t need much more than this!

His family includes his children, Brenda Brack (Terry), Kathy Sissel (Dan), James “Dean” Holderness (Tammy), Jane Phillips (Jeff), and Judy Means (Kurt); 10 grandchildren, Kyle Holderness (Emily), Rebecca Holderness, Tyler Carson (Callie),Chad Sissel, Brandon Sissel (Brandi) Cody Means (Chelsey), Adam Means, Kelly Rosenboom (Nic), Trent Vrchoticky (Rachel), and Randy Phillips (Jamie);  12 great-grandchildren, Austin Holderness, Gavin Holderness, Braden Sissel, Bryce Sissel, Braylin Sissel, Emma Rosenboom, Tyler Rosenboom, Taylor Vrchoticky, Makayla Vrchoticky, Cael Phillips, Trevor Phillips and Jalynn Phillips; ; his sister, Patricia Wilker; a number of nieces and newphews and special friend, Marge Rogers.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents,  wife, Marlene in 1995, and a brother-in-law, Jim Wilker.