Longtime Chesterfield County supervisor Jim Holland honored during celebration of life ceremony

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Family, friends and loved ones gathered to celebrate the life of longtime Chesterfield County Supervisor Jim Holland on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The ceremony was held at at Victory Tabernacle Church, and comes after Holland's passing on Tuesday, Oct. 14 after a battle with cancer.

His loved ones said his time of service began well before his time in politics with many remembering him as a man who would reach out to help any and everyone.

"He heard from God 'well done, my good and faithful servant,'" Chesterfield County Supervisor Jim Ingle said. "Jim, you ran a great race with excellency."

Loved ones said that Holland lived by the philosophy, "leave things better than you found it." The Dale district representative led neighborhoods near Rockwood Park, Meadowbrook High School and the Chesterfield courthouse.

"Beyond his accomplishments, what stands out the most -- he was kind, thoughtful, genuine and interested in others," Holland's niece, Patricia Holland said. "Uncle James lived out Matthew 5:16: Let you light shine so before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

Holland's loved ones stated that he hit that mark to a "T." The Army veteran and accountant taught and mentored thousands of students at J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College and VCU.

According to colleagues, one of his most impactful projects included supporting Chesterfield County by opening the new Beulah Elementary School in 2018.

During Holland's time, the Chesterfield area saw, 19,000 new jobs and $15 billion in investment.

"He said 'we should be building minutes for the present — not just for the present — but for the future.' He was building a legacy," Democratic Rep. Jennifer McClellan said.

A legacy those in attendance stated they will continue to live by to keep the growing success within the county.

"We would turn to his memory and legacy for strength and guidance as we continue to work and do public service that he so loved," Ingle added.

A scholarship fund has been established to honor Holland, with proceeds going towards student living in Holland's beloved Dale district.