James Harold Francis Holbrook, 41, formerly of Connersville, passed away unexpectedly from a sudden cardiac event Monday, November 14, 2022.
Jimmy was born January 6, 1981 in Connersville, the son of James Harold and Maryann “Peach” O’Donnell Holbrook. He had attended St. Gabriel School and graduated with the Connersville High School class of 1999. Following high school, he attended Vincennes University.
Jimmy served his country for five years in the United States Army, joining when he was twenty. He completed two combat tours in Iraq and underwent training in Korea, totaling three years overseas. Following his years of service, he received an associate’s degree from the University of Cincinnati.
Throughout his life, he was employed at various delivery jobs, from lumber to pizza, and ice-cream in between, earning him the nickname “The Ice-cream Man”
He was a member of St. Gabriel Church and the V.F.W. in Mason, Ohio.
Jimmy loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his daughter. He was an avid Reds, Bengals, and Xavier Musketeers fan. In his leisure, he enjoyed going with his daughter and girlfriend to Horror Conventions. He also enjoyed watching comedies and going to comedy shows. Quick-witted, Jimmy loved making everyone laugh. In any situation, he would have just the right joke to say and story to tell. He simply loved having a good time with those he loved.
His daughter was his pride and joy in life. He always loved going to watch Lilly in all her school and sporting events. He also made sure to make it to all the family events. Someone you could count on, Jimmy was always there for his family and friends. He was always a constant no matter time or distance. In the words of a dear friend, “So many of my favorite memories are intertwined with Jimmy and the Holbrooks. So many laughs, stories told, beers drank, songs sang, heart to hearts had, and tears cried around Peach’s kitchen table. He loved fiercely from his family to his friends and he never took for granted how important those relationships are and how precious this life is. To know Jimmy was to love him and have a friend for life.”
Survivors include his father, James Harold (Leanna) Holbrook of Connersville; his mother, Maryann “Peach” Holbrook of Connersville; his daughter, Lilliana “Lilly” Holbrook of Cincinnati, Ohio; longtime girlfriend, Amy Lies of Cincinnati, Ohio; five siblings, Matthew (Anne) Holbrook of Great Falls, Montana, Mary E. (Rick) Eck of Mason, Ohio, Stacy Holbrook of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jack Messer of Connersville, and Larry (Maricela) Lephart of Jacksonville, Florida; a family friend who became like a brother, Mark Bragg; an uncle, Ray O’Donnell of Richmond, Indiana; an aunt, Deborah Toth of Middletown, Ohio; a niece, Kaitlyn (Alex) Stephenson; three nephews, Steven Holbrook, William Holbrook, and Charlie Eck; several step nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his pet cat, Mabel. He will also be greatly missed by many friends whom he loved and treated as family. The list goes on and on.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Faye Holbrook, and Raymond and Doris O’Donnell; an uncle, William Holbrook, Jr.; and an aunt, Deena Hunter.
Friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2022 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home where the rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Dustin Boehm at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Burial with military honors conducted by the United States Army and the Fayette County Veterans Council will be in Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jimmy to any of the following: the V. F. W., the Disabled American Veterans, the St. Gabriel Jennifer Davidson Memorial Fund, or the Jennifer Simpkins Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.