James "Jim" R. Holladay October 2, 1945 - December 25, 2009 James R. Holladay was born in San Diego, California, on October 2, 1945 and passed away on December 25, 2009 in Richland, WA. James, or Jim as most people called him, was a man's man and certainly enjoyed life to the fullest. Some of his family called him "The Peach," because his mother had once said, after a childhood incident, "Now isn't he just a Peach!" He was called a few other things as well, which cannot be appropriately listed here. He was a loving and giving father to his two children and most affectionately was called a good friend by many.

After serving four years in the Navy, during Vietnam, Jim attended welding school in 1966/67 at CBC in Pasco. Upon graduating, Jim went to work in the shipyards in Portland with his cousin Tom Hemphill. He joined the Boilermakers Union and worked through that union for his entire career in construction. Jim was a good welder, but a much better talker, so after a few years in the trade, he moved into management. Jim soon became known as a man who could be counted on to get the job done. His infectious personality, integrity, and dedication to performance made him a highly respected and effective construction manager; which spanned to many construction projects all across America, Europe and the Middle East.

Jim was an avid trap shooter and he traveled throughout America to compete at trap meets at the highest level. He was a member of the American Trap Shooting Association, Tri-Cities Shooting Association Rattlesnake Mountain Shooting Range, and the National Rifle Association. Jim won numerous belt buckles, as well hams and turkeys. Cousin Tom Hemphill has enjoyed a few hams that Jim won at shoots and Cousin Dan Gregory has a lifetime supply of ball caps from Jim.

Jim was also known for his opinions. You could bring up a topic on most anything and Jim would dive into the conversation with his points of view which always sounded logical and factual. Jim could state endless, three-word descriptions of an event or an ailment, and you always had to laugh. He was the true king of the one-liners.

Jim had a grand level of self-confidence. When he accepted a challenge, he expected to succeed. On a couple of occasions, back in the 60s, Jim and cousin Tom were known to wager a bet on a shuffle board game that exceeded their available funds. But they were a good team and fortunately they won the games when they had to.

Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting, shuffleboard, a shot of Jameson, an occasional beer, a Harley ride and spirited conversation. Those who have known Jim will think of him every time they hear Elvis Presley sing "My Way" because Jim lived life his way.

Jim is survived by his daughter Sherrie Kuchta Arnie and daughter Heather, his son Clint, his brother Bill Holladay, his companion Lori Johnson "The Munchkin", his cousins Aileen Green, Tom Hemphill, Mick Hemphill, and his second cousin and special friend Judy Gregory, "The Accountant," who managed his financial affairs while he was at home and abroad.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents George and Annabelle Holladay. He leaves behind numerous family and friends who will always have unforgettable fond memories of him.

Jim, you will be sorely missed! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Rattlesnake Mountain Shooting Facility P.O. Box 785, Richland, WA 99352 in Jim's name. A celebration of Jim's life will be held Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 2:00pm at Memories at Sunset Event Center in Richland, WA, 915 Bypass Highway.