Dr. James “Jim” L. Holder, age 88, passed away on May 16, 2022. He was born on February 22, 1934, in rural Dacoma, Oklahoma to James Lee and Edith (Thomas) Holder. Being a child of pastors/teachers, brought several relocations in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa before returning to western Oklahoma. Jim’s younger brother was born while they lived in Kansas.

Jim married Lilas Flanagan in rural Texhoma, Oklahoma on June 25, 1954. To this union two children were born, a son, Kendall, and a daughter, Karmalene.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education in 1956 from Northwestern State College, Alva, Oklahoma; a Master of Science Degree in School Administration in 1960 from Ft. Hays State College, Hays, Kansas, and a Doctor of Education Degree in School Administration in 1968 from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.

Jim taught Business Education, Mathematics, Music and Industrial Arts at Nashville, Kansas from 1956 to 1959. He served as school administrator at Barnard, Kansas from 1960 to 1962 and at Goodwell, Oklahoma from 1962 to 1967. After earning his doctorate degree Jim served nine years as Assistant Superintendent for Business at Goodland, Kansas and two years as Superintendent of Schools at Sublette, Kansas.

In 1979, Jim left the education field and joined Kennedy & Coe, a regional C. P. A. firm, as Business Manager, serving 15 years. Following certification in 1995, Jim became a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed retiring after ten years as Senior Financial Advisor.

Jim was a member of the First Covenant Church. Through the years Jim served several churches in lay leadership roles such as treasurer, financial secretary, board member, Sunday School teacher, and music director.

Left with memories of Jim are his wife, Lilas; son, Rev. Kendall Holder (Alecta); daughter, Karmalene Roche (Rev. Edward); five grandchildren, Sgt. First Class Quentin Holder, Rev. Vance Holder (Rev. Kari), Kendra Collazo (Jamie), Brandon Roche, and Nate Roche; four great-grandchildren; brother, Rev. Ronald Holder (Barbara); and extended family and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the First Covenant Church, 2625 E. Magnolia, Salina, Kansas. Interment, to be announced soon, will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the First Covenant Church in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio, Salina, Kansas 67401.

Arrangements are under the direction of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home. To send an online condolence, visit www.carlsonfh.net or on Facebook.