James Noble Holm JR

Dr. James Noble Holm, Jr., affectionately known as Jim, was born on November 21, 1941, in Akron, Ohio. He departed this world surrounded by family on November 27, 2024, in Topeka, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy that reflects a life deeply committed to education, community service, and the power of communication.

A dedicated educator, Jim believed fervently in the importance of communication skills in all aspects of society. His teaching and advocacy spanned from the classroom to victim-offender reconciliations, instilling in his students and all those who crossed his path the values of understanding and relatability. He received his early education at Western Reserve Academy before completing his Bachelor of Arts at The College of Wooster (1963), with a double major in English and Religious Studies. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Jim earned his Master's Degree in Speech Communication from Kent State University (1966), followed by a PhD in Speech Communication and Theatre Arts from the University of Michigan (1976), and Post-Doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jim's long academic career in Speech Communications and Community Building took him all across the country, including The State University of New York-Buffalo, The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Muskingum University in Ohio, Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, The University of Michigan-Flint, Fresno Pacific University in California, and The University of Houston-Victoria and Victoria College in Texas. He taught classes, led debate teams, and worked on university theatre productions. His academic contributions also include published textbooks, plays, and poetry, which serve as a testament to his lifelong passion for learning and sharing knowledge.

Jim’s kindness and generosity were hallmarks of his character. He was able to connect with his students by making material accessible, listening to questions, and using improvisational thinking to help them think outside of the box. His ability to connect with others extended beyond the classroom, as he had a quick wit and was fast with a joke.

Jim was active in community building. He worked with immigrant communities, homeless coalitions, and directed community theatre productions. He participated in leading Sunday school groups, gave sermons occasionally, and participated in religious outreach programs of various natures. Some of his crowning achievements were being a founding member of Buckham Alley Theatre in Flint, Michigan, and developing a curriculum for Texas A&M’s Rural Leadership Program that provides leadership and community development for rural individuals, communities, organizations, and regions. Wherever he lived, Jim was active in working to improve the lives of people in his community.

In his personal life, Jim enjoyed nature and the Arts. He loved poetry, writing, singing and music, theatre (both performing and as an audience member), and reading, always having a stack of books at the ready. His collection of books was only equaled by the rocks, feathers, and pinecones he’d acquire while hiking with his camera along the banks of the Gulf Coast or the shores of Northern Michigan. Jim was happiest when in nature. His pockets and any horizontal surface were often laden with tiny treasures from the natural world. He would also sing to ducks, discourse with dogs, and wave to any creature he encountered. Whether collecting seashells or capturing moments through photography, Jim approached life with a sense of wonder, nurturing his interests with the same care he bestowed upon his loved ones.

Jim is survived by his beloved daughters, E. Katie (Cole Zachman) Holm and Rebecca Holm; his dear sisters, Susan (David Wexler) Holm and Lexi (John) Eagles; and a myriad of cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews who held him in deep affection. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. James Noble Holm, Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Holm nee Hum, and nephew, Duncan Stewart Brown.

As we remember Jim, let us celebrate a life well-lived—a scholar, a friend, a father, and a gentle soul who inspired countless individuals with his wisdom and warmth. His spirit endures in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known him.

For those who would like to honor the life of Jim, please consider donating to the James N. Holm, Jr. Endowed Scholarship. Checks may be made out to ‘The College of Wooster' with a simple note in the memo indicating the gift should be applied toward the aforementioned scholarship. (The College of Wooster Office of Advancement, 1189 Beall Ave., Wooster, Ohio 44691) Alternatively, donations may be made in Jim's name to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or to a charity of your choice that helps the homeless.

A memorial service will be held in Topeka at a future date, and Jim’s ashes will be spread in northern Michigan per his wishes. 

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