John Malcolm Holmes

John Malcolm Holmes, 94, of Bloomington, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024, at Bloomington Hospital surrounded by his loving family. The world lost a great man, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and coach that day. John lived 94 wonderful years and touched many lives with his honesty, compassion, wit, and integrity. He will be missed by all who knew him. John was born July 10, 1930, at his family's farm in Greene County, Indiana. John was the son of James and Florida (Fine) Holmes. He was a 1948 graduate of Owensburg High School. After graduation, he worked on his farm and at the Oolitic limestone quarry before being drafted into the US Army where he served in the Korean War. After returning home John continued working at the quarry and farm while earning his bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University in 1958 and master's degree in 1965. John's teaching and basketball coaching career began in 1958 at Ellettsville High School. He went on to coach and teach at Cascade, Martinsville, Shawswick, and Avon, finishing his career as athletic director at Edgewood High School. In 1992, after 26 years of coaching and 34 years of teaching, John retired to enjoy his life farming, serving as president of Monroe County Farm Bureau Co. Op, and spending time with his grandchildren. In 2015 John was inducted into the Monroe County Sports Hall of Fame for his dedication and excellence as a high school basketball coach. John is preceded in death by his parents, sister Wanetta Bough, and son Jefferson Holmes. John is survived by his devoted wife of 74 years, Joyce (Emery) Holmes; brother Jimmie O. Holmes of Springville; sons Jayson (Stephanie) Holmes of Evansville; Judson (Mary Anne) Holmes of Bloomington, grandchildren, Nathan (Danielle) Holmes, Hannah (John) Radzak, Jordyn (Kyle) Knudsen, Harrison Holmes, Hayden (Kayla) Holmes, and Houston Holmes; his four great-grandchildren; Piper, Henderson, Penelope, and Nolan. John impacted countless lives as a role model. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled in the lives he touched. He left the world a better place. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 Bloomington, with Rev. Larry Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to service time on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ellettesville History Center. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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John Malcolm Holmes

July 10, 1930 - July 20, 2024