Obituary of James Allen Holcomb Sr.

James Allen Holcomb Sr., 90, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 20th, 2022.

Memorial Service: Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Collins, Arlington, Texas. Interment: Moore Memorial Garden, Arlington, Texas.

Donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

James was born on May 6, 1931, in Altus, Oklahoma, the only child and son of Rufus and Pearl Holcomb, grandson to Nannie Whitwell and nephew to Effie Myers, who collectively influenced his childhood and life. He graduated from Altus High School and from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He married Barbara Brown on February 14th, 1956.

James and Barbara were married for 56 years and lovingly raised their children, Joe, James Jr., Emily and Alane. James spent several years as a pharmacist, then worked for Eli Lilly and Company as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for 35 years until his retirement in 1990. He proudly served in the United States Army on the 245th Tank Battalion.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Arlington for 20 years, where he served on various committees and sang in the choir. He had a great love for music of all kinds, enjoyed entertaining friends, traveling, working in the yard, and playing golf. He was active in the local Barber Shop Quartet, and Yokefellows group. While residing in Tyler, Texas, Barbara succumbed to a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and James became widowed.

On June 7th, 2014, James began a new chapter in his life when he married Mary Ann Lee, and he spent the next six (6) years enjoying a full and active life with Mary Ann. Sadly, last year, Mary Ann passed away.

On April 8th, 2022, James married Marion Joan Gallas and their life together was cut short by James’ death.

James was a personable, gregarious, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who had a kindness and likeability that will be remembered through the generations!

James is preceded in death by his parents Rufus and Pearl Holcomb, grandmother Nannie Whitwell, Aunt Effie Myers, wife Barbara Brown Holcomb, son Joseph Montgomery, grandson Matthew McKinney, and wife Mary Ann Lee Holcomb.

He is survived by son James Holcomb, Jr. (Karen) and grandchildren Lauren and Amber Holcomb; daughter Emily McKinney (Jeff) and grandchildren Meredith Zito (Brett), Marshall, Mitchell and Molly McKinney; and daughter Alane Miller (Charles) and grandchildren Hattie and Axel Miller; and grandchildren Justin Montgomery and Jennifer Jayroe (Robby) and great grandchildren Lacey & Rowan; and wife Marion Joan Gallas Holcomb.

Members of the Lee family include daughter Karen Smith (Doug), and son Charles T. Jr. Lee (Jamie) and their children and grandchildren.

Members of the Gallas family include daughter Debbie Horton (Scott), and son Mark Gallas (Heather) and their children.

While James will be deeply missed, we trust in God’s perfect timing and in the knowledge that he is in the presence of our sovereign God.