James Oscar “Oscar” Holmes, 87, of Jonesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026.

Oscar was born on October 12, 1938, in Jonesville, Virginia, where he was raised and spent his early years. He was the oldest of his siblings and grew up in a close-knit family. Being the oldest brother was an important part of who Oscar was, and throughout his life, family remained at the heart of everything he valued.

Oscar proudly served in the United States Army and spent part of his military service in Germany. His time in the Army was a meaningful chapter of his life, and he remained proud of his service throughout the years. He especially enjoyed telling stories about his Army days to his family and friends. Whether they had heard the story before or not, Oscar had a way of bringing those memories to life, and his stories became part of the memories that his loved ones will treasure.

After completing his military service, Oscar began his civilian career as a Design Engineer with E-Systems. Through his intelligence, dedication, and strong work ethic, he earned multiple promotions and became a Senior Design Engineer. When E-Systems was acquired by Raytheon, he continued his career with the company until his retirement. His career reflected the hardworking, intelligent, and dependable man he was throughout his life.

Oscar truly enjoyed his retirement and was fortunate to have many years to enjoy the people and things he loved. He had a genuine passion for helping others and never seemed to hesitate when someone needed a hand. He was friendly, approachable, and honest, and people knew they could count on him. Oscar had a way of making everyone feel welcome. His warm personality, kind heart, and happy spirit made him someone people truly enjoyed being around and cherished the time they spent with him.

Family was especially important to Oscar. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family dearly. He was also blessed to become a great-great-grandfather, a role that brought him great pride and joy. Some of his happiest moments were simply spending time with the people he loved, sharing a cup of coffee, telling stories, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. He didn't need anything extravagant to be happy. The simple things in life—family, friends, conversation, a good cup of coffee, and a motorcycle ride—brought him great joy.

Oscar will be remembered as a man of Christ who lived his life with honesty, kindness, humor, and a genuine love for people. His faith was an important part of who he was and guided the way he treated others. He was the kind of person who could make you smile, tell you a story, offer to help, or simply sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with you. His presence brought something special to the lives of those around him.

Oscar is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Amanda Panizo Holmes; his former wife, Iris Jean Ringley; his two sons, James Carl Holmes and Michael William Holmes; his Stepchildren Carla Vanessa Rossi and Piero Rossi, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; his siblings, Dona Glenda Holmes, Jasper Keith Holmes, and Leonard Lewis Holmes; and many other family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Michelle Holmes Arentson; his father, James Henderson Holmes; his mother, Eva Effie Smith Holmes; and his sister, Yvonne Holmes.

As the oldest of his siblings, a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, veteran, and friend, Oscar leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the years he lived. His family will carry forward the lessons he taught through the way he lived, be honest, help others, enjoy the simple things, love your family, and always have a story to tell.

A funeral service celebrating Oscar's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Bethel Church 5498 Sugar Run Rd Jonesville , VA 24263 with Rev. Adam Wolfe officiating. A committal service will follow at Bethel Church Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Oscar's life was measured not only by the years he lived, but by the people he loved the lives he touched, and the generations that carry his name and his memory forward. His smile, his laughter, his stories, his kindness, and his unwavering love for his family will remain in their hearts forever.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

James Oscar “Oscar” Holmes and his family are in the care of Powell Valley Funeral Home.