James "Jim" Holbrook
October 18, 1941 ~ April 4, 2025
Born in:
Haywood County, NC
Resided in:
Arden, NC
James “Jim” Hargrove Holbrook, aged 83, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Mission Hospital. Born in Haywood County, Jim was the son of the late Robert Cole Holbrook and Mildred Hargrove Holbrook. He was also predeceased by his brother, Larry “Doby” Holbrook.
Jim earned a civil engineering degree from A.B. Tech and had a fulfilling career with the US Forest Service starting first with the National Forests in North Carolina and concluding at the Southern Research Station in Asheville when he retired. He also served as an urban planner for the City of Asheville and was an elected official for the Avery’s Creek Water and Sewer District. Jim was actively involved in several organizations, including the International Tractor Association, the Apple Country Engine and Tractor Association, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Jim had a passion for restoring and tinkering with antique farm equipment, particularly John Deere Model A’s and hit-and-miss engines. A lifelong NASCAR fan, he was a former pit crew member for Dave Marcus. Jim also enjoyed blacksmithing, was an avid gun enthusiast, and loved researching his family genealogy. He was known for providing food for the wildlife on his property and treats for the neighbors’ dogs. Jim cherished spending time with family and friends, often holding ‘court’ at his shop. His most treasured moments were spent crafting unforgettable adventures for his grandchildren, fondly known as ‘Camp Daddy Jim’.
Jim is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patricia “Pat” Redden Holbrook; his three children, James Cole Holbrook, Karen Holbrook Rogers (Dave), and Tonya Dawn Reems (Brad); his five grandchildren, Hunter Turner (Bryer), Cathleen Holbrook Rogers, Addie Rogers, Brandon “Scooter” Reems, and Lucretia Spriggs (Josh); and his three great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Kooper, and Kallen. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill Holbrook (Earlene) and Tommy Holbrook; his sister, Cathey Holbrook Drye; his half-brothers, Ronald Holbrook (Carol) and Robert Holbrook; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and special friends.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden. The celebration of life service will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:00 am in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, followed by a private family burial. The celebration of life service will be streamed live beginning at 9:50 AM by clicking below.
Services
Visitation: April 8, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Celebration of Life: April 9, 2025 10:00 am
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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What a wonderful compassionate man. He will be missed. Blessings Pat & family. He loved you all.
My condolences to all of Jim’s family and friends. I think of him often as I live close to the old Holbrook farm where he grew up. He became a good work friend at the SRS, although we butted heads a few times. Always enjoyed his sense of humor and help with things at work. He will be missed by so many.
My best wishes to Pat and the family. We will all miss him.
There was only one Holbrook. My husband and I worked with him at the NC Forest, Southern Research. A true man who could/would admit a mistake, and learn from it. We loved you Holbrook. I bet the good Lord had to let you know the rules. 1. No, your tractors could not be parked on the street. 2. Not everyone loved the “Tarheels” and no you can’t paint all the roofs “Carolina Blue” Yes, we all seen the beautiful one in your memory at the Research station
3. Yes, “It’s a rainy nite in Georgia” and we believe it’s raining for you all over the world. Loved you our friend.
Holbrook will surely be missed, a Great friend of mine and the Grandfather Ranger District, it was always a pleasure to be around Holbrook and hear his tales . He never met a stranger
My condolences to Pat and his family.
Bob & Gail Yanniello
I enjoyed visiting Jim while working at the SO. He had a great laid back manner and was full of local stories and lore.
My condolences to Pat and all the family. Prayers for comfort and peace!!
I am sorry for your loss. I pray the Holy Spirit of God will embrace you dear family in His loving arms and comfort You in the blessed assurance that this is not the end, because of the Lord Jesus Christ.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Jim was afine man, and Robert loved working with him at the Forest Service Station. The whole family has meant a lot to us, please accept our condolences.
Pat and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing! He was quite the character, to say the least, and provided lots of smiles for all those lucky enough to cross paths with him. I know he’s in good company on the other side. I hope you are able to find comfort in the memories you share of him. Please know that we’ll keep you in our thoughts in the coming days and weeks. With love, Lauren (Edwards) and Jack Hedden and Diana Edwards
To Pat , Tonya, & all the Redden & Holbrook family, you really had a great one that will be truly missed. May the Lord be with each and every one you as you grieve through this terrible loss. Our prayers are with you .We love and appreciate each one of you. Our sincere condolences to all Jim’s loved ones.
I will miss him, Jim was a great friend, I always enjoyed his company.
Jim and I are first cousins, born to two beautiful Hargrove sisters. He was a few years older than me, and we haven’t crossed paths in several years. However, I can still remember and feel the respect I held for him when we were youths and bumped into each other, either at our Granny Hargrove’s farm in Bethel or Jim’s home in Enka. He was handsome, smart, and kind, and someone I was always proud to have as a first cousin. He will not be forgotten. My wife and I offer our sincere condolences to Jim Holbrook’s family on this sad occasion.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, Pat and Tonya my thoughts and prayers are with y’all. I did a lot of work for Jim personally and at the Forest service as well and he was always appreciative and respectful in every manner. The world lost a great man in Jim. I’m just thankful that I knew him for over 30 years and just spoke with him at the last gun show. Rest easy buddy, you’ll definitely be missed by many many folks.
To this day, whenever we hear his name or think of him, we smile. What an impact he made! We know he will be greatly missed but not forgotten as he touched the lives of many.
Rest in peace, Jim, and we will always be grateful that our paths crossed.
Pat and family, our sincere sympathies to you and wish you strength and peace.
Jill Gallie and Jeff Witcosky, former co-workers at the Southern Research Station, 1996-2001
Alvin Hutchison and family
Jim was a real gentleman and good friend for many years. He will not only be missed by his family but also by friends, community, our state and country.
My sincere condolences to Carolyn, Cole,, Karen and the entire Holbrook family. I knew Jim from working with him at the US Forest Service in Asheville many years ago. He was a wonderful person and a very good friend of mine. Jim, Rest In Peace!!!
Jim was a great neighbor and a good friend. His humor was always a great part of my day. He was always there to help anyway he could without hesitation. I will truly miss seeing that old chevrolet pickup driving up and down our road. Rest in peace Jim.
My condolences to Pat and family. Jim was a very lockable person. He will be greatly missed prayers to all.
You can be proud of Jim just like he was proud of you. His life meant so much to so many people and he leaves some challenging tracks to follow.
He was one of the best.
Pat, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I will be praying for your comfort during this difficult season.