AUBURN — James Bryan Holmes, 81, of Greene, formerly of Duxbury and Chelmsford, Mass., passed away Saturday, April 1, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, at Hospice House of Androscoggin in Auburn.

James was born June 29, 1935, to Golden and Dorothy P. (Donald) Holmes in Oswego, N.Y. He was a graduate of Buckfield High School, and received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University. He married his beloved wife, Janice Pulsifer of Turner, in 1957. She passed away in 2016.

James prided himself on being an Eagle Scout, a Mason and a Shriner, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, a longtime owner of the small business Almor and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed working in his gardens while searching for Native-American artifacts, collecting books and minerals, metal-detecting for historical objects, music, theater and driving his ATV and John Deere around his property. James highly valued intelligence, and used his quick wit to engage in debates and elaborate practical jokes with his family. An avid “rockhound” and history buff, he most enjoyed sharing his extensive expertise of these areas with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

James is survived by his daughters, Wendy Holmes and Lynda (Donald) Peterson; his grandchildren, Heather Smith, Adam (Holly) Peterson, Alyssa (Daniel) McGonagle and Robert Peterson; and great-grandchildren, Brendan and Connor Smith, Kara, Leah, Jesse and Tabitha Peterson and Faith, James and Liberty McGonagle.

He was predeceased by his wife, Janice.

He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

James Holmes