1 Upcoming Event
Celebration of Life
NOV
15
Saturday, November 15, 2025
11:00am - 1:00 pm
Roslindale congregational church
25 Cummins Highway, Boston, MA 02131
James McKinley Holley was born on May 23, 1965, in Ahoskie, North Carolina, to Bessie L. Holley and the late Fred Douglas Holley. Known for his kind heart, steady spirit, and remarkable work ethic, James was a man who dedicated his life to providing for those he loved. He often worked multiple jobs, always ensuring his family was cared for and supported. His quiet strength and unwavering sense of responsibility inspired all who knew him.
Throughout his life, James remained a devoted and hardworking man. He was employed for 15 years at Casella Recycling of New England, where his reliability and strong work ethic made him a valued team member. Most recently, he worked at Buy New England Lobsters LLC and Blanchard's Liquor Store, where he consistently exemplified dedication, humility, and pride in all his endeavors. His consistency and integrity earned him the respect of coworkers, customers, and friends alike.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Washington-Holley, who stood faithfully by his side throughout his illness. Sharon's steadfast love, compassion, and care were a true reflection of their deep bond. Through the hardest days, she remained his anchor, comforting him with grace, dignity, and unending devotion until his final moments.
James is preceded in death by his father, Fred Douglas Holley, and his beloved son, Jamal Farley-Hughes.
He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Bessie L. Holley; his mother-in-law, Rosetha Washington; and siblings:
Bettie Smith (NC), Willie Holley, Fred Holley Jr., Randy Holley (wife, Sandra Holley), Clifton Holley, Tony Holley (NC), Milton Holley (wife, Tamika Holley) (NC), and Sandra Holley Beasley (CA).
His children will forever hold his memory close: James Turner, Sonjai Farley (partner, Michael Coveney), Dimetrius Turner, Crystal Farley, Amanda Farley, Trisha Farley, Gina Mills, and Justin Cooper.
His stepchildren, who also shared in his love and guidance, include: Robert Clemons (NV), Sharise Clemons (CT), Britany Simpson (husband, DeAndre Simpson), and Isaiah Bunch.
In addition to his children and stepchildren, James's legacy lives on through 16 adoring grandchildren and 3 cherished step-grandchildren, as well as a loving circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends whose lives he touched with kindness and care.
James also leaves behind cherished in-laws: Walter Washington, David Washington (wife, Carol Washington), Elise Washington, and Tyler Washington.
James will forever be remembered for his dedication to family, his quiet faith, and his tireless work ethic. Above all, his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him—a gentle, humble man whose life was marked by perseverance, kindness, and love.
Throughout his life, James remained a devoted and hardworking man. He was employed for 15 years at Casella Recycling of New England, where his reliability and strong work ethic made him a valued team member. Most recently, he worked at Buy New England Lobsters LLC and Blanchard's Liquor Store, where he consistently exemplified dedication, humility, and pride in all his endeavors. His consistency and integrity earned him the respect of coworkers, customers, and friends alike.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Washington-Holley, who stood faithfully by his side throughout his illness. Sharon's steadfast love, compassion, and care were a true reflection of their deep bond. Through the hardest days, she remained his anchor, comforting him with grace, dignity, and unending devotion until his final moments.
James is preceded in death by his father, Fred Douglas Holley, and his beloved son, Jamal Farley-Hughes.
He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Bessie L. Holley; his mother-in-law, Rosetha Washington; and siblings:
Bettie Smith (NC), Willie Holley, Fred Holley Jr., Randy Holley (wife, Sandra Holley), Clifton Holley, Tony Holley (NC), Milton Holley (wife, Tamika Holley) (NC), and Sandra Holley Beasley (CA).
His children will forever hold his memory close: James Turner, Sonjai Farley (partner, Michael Coveney), Dimetrius Turner, Crystal Farley, Amanda Farley, Trisha Farley, Gina Mills, and Justin Cooper.
His stepchildren, who also shared in his love and guidance, include: Robert Clemons (NV), Sharise Clemons (CT), Britany Simpson (husband, DeAndre Simpson), and Isaiah Bunch.
In addition to his children and stepchildren, James's legacy lives on through 16 adoring grandchildren and 3 cherished step-grandchildren, as well as a loving circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends whose lives he touched with kindness and care.
James also leaves behind cherished in-laws: Walter Washington, David Washington (wife, Carol Washington), Elise Washington, and Tyler Washington.
James will forever be remembered for his dedication to family, his quiet faith, and his tireless work ethic. Above all, his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him—a gentle, humble man whose life was marked by perseverance, kindness, and love.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James McKinley Holley, please visit our flower store.
James McKinley Holley's Guestbook
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