‘Serve with your whole heart’: Chesterfield mourns top official who died battling cancer

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- James Holland, a man who gave nearly two decades of his life to Chesterfield County's Dale District, died Tuesday afternoon amid a battle with cancer.

The evening of Tuesday, Oct. 14, Chesterfield leaders announced that Holland -- who represented the Dale District on the county's Board of Supervisors -- had died that afternoon in his home, surrounded by his family. He was 73 years old.

Known by many as "Jim," Holland was a U.S. Army veteran and a certified public accountant (CPA) who taught at Virginia Commonwealth University. He began his first term as the Dale District's supervisor in 2008 -- and he retained that role until his passing.

During his tenure, Holland served as board chair three times and as vice chair twice. Also in that time, he accepted appointments from every Virginia governor to various positions within their respective administrations. Most recently, he was reappointed to the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Board.

"[Holland] helped guide Chesterfield through times of great prosperity and change," county officials said in a Tuesday press release. "During his time on the board, Chesterfield has experienced significant economic growth and enhanced quality of life. His steady approach also helped Chesterfield weather two of the most significant challenges the county has faced, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic."

Officials shared the farewell letter Holland penned to his constituents, which is dated just two days before his passing.

Within that letter, Holland wrote about how happy he was to have watched Chesterfield grow and improve during his time in office. He emphasized his gratitude to not only his fellow leaders, but to the community at large.

Most of all, he wished Chesterfield only the best and brightest future.

"As I reflect on my life's work, I am forever grateful for all the opportunities, achievements and progress made," Holland wrote. "I give all honor and glory to God for the wisdom, guidance and steadfast faith that sustained me. This is a peaceful passing of the torch. I encourage each of you to continue the work, serve with your whole heart and make our world, our county and our Dale District better every day."

Bermuda District supervisor and board chair Jim Ingle emphasized that the county will feel Holland's absence.

"We will greatly miss Jim’s calm, deliberate and gentlemanly approach to navigating the work of the board,” he said in the release. “Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of serving alongside him has learned from him. Jim’s approach was always to do what he thought was best for his district and Chesterfield."

An interim supervisor will be appointed to represent the Dale District until a special election can be held.

“But we will never replace Jim Holland," Ingle said.

Holland leaves behind his wife of more than five decades, Judith Holland, as well as two adult children, Jessica Holland Tamba and James Matthew Holland.

"To my beautiful wife Judith of 52 years, thank you for standing at my side through every season of life and leadership," Holland wrote of her impact on his tenure. "You have been my rock and constant source of strength as I served the people of the Dale District. You are, and will always be, my First Lady of the Dale District."

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time, officials said.

"As your Dale District Supervisor, I thank you for allowing me to serve you," Holland wrote in closing. "May God continue to bless Chesterfield County, especially my beloved Dale District."