Dr. James N. Holly

Dr. James Nicholas Holly

James N. Holly (Jim and/or Nick), 87, of Green Bay, died Friday June 21, 2024.

Born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on January 14, 1937, to Charles and Marjorie (French) Holly. He went on to graduate from Lincoln High school in 1955 as a decorated athlete. After spending one year at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, he went on to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, graduating in 1960, the second graduating class from the Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. After a distinguished career as an Air Force pilot with duty stations in Dover, Delaware; Oahu, Hawaii; and Charleston, South Carolina, he resigned his commission in 1969 to pursue his true passion. His true passion of learning and knowledge. As an engineer at Lundy Technical Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, he also attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida; earning a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering, a Master in Ocean Engineering, a Master in Engineering and a Master of Business Administration. He then obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He went on to teach at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and was the Director of the Small Business Development Center there upon his retirement. Jim was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and rarely missed going to a home game, even in sub-freezing weather. In retirement, Jim loved to golf and often tried to get his granddaughter into the sport, to no avail. He also loved to fish throughout northern Minnesota and Canada with his devoted friend and brother-in-law where long boat rides would be riddled with philosophical and worldly discussions and a slew of walleye.

Jim is survived by his sons, Karl F. Holly (Palm Coast, FL), James N. Holly II (Jean) (Green Bay, WI) and Benjamin A. Holly (Ann) (Woodbury, MN); grandchildren, Soleil Holly, Caleb (Ashley) Ryan, Ethan (Lyndsey) Ryan, Hannah Schumacher, Elizabeth Kranzush, Megan Shea; great-grandchild, Everly Ryan; and the mother of his children, Ramona Ann Cobb (Sebring, FL). Jim is also survived by his youngest brother, Nicholas E. Holly (Deena) (Beaverton, MI) along with 9 nieces and nephews spread throughout the country. 

He was preceded in death by his infant sons, Jimmy and Johnny; brothers, Charles Holly and Thomas Holly and his sister, Mary Goode.

A special thanks to Alpha Senior Concepts, Bristol Hospice and Nick and Jean Holly for helping Jim through some very difficult times. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.