[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 177 (Friday, October 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SUPERVISOR JAMES M. ``JIM'' HOLLAND
______
HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 24, 2025
Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy
of the Honorable James M. ``Jim'' Holland, who faithfully served the
people of Chesterfield County's Dale District for nearly two decades
before his passing on October 14, 2025. I had the honor of working
closely with Jim and witnessing firsthand his deep love for and
unwavering dedication to his constituents. His kindness, humility, and
steadfast commitment left a lasting impression on everyone who knew
him, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Born in Gates County, North Carolina, in 1951, Jim Holland served
honorably in the U.S. Army's 18th Airborne Corps before earning degrees
in accounting and business administration from Fayetteville State
University and North Carolina Central University. A certified public
accountant, he built a successful practice and later taught accounting
for 24 years at Virginia Commonwealth University, inspiring generations
of students with his belief that numbers are a tool for integrity and
empowerment.
Elected in 2008, Supervisor Holland was the longest-serving member of
the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, chairing the Board in
2014, 2021, and 2024. Known for his calm and collaborative leadership,
he guided the county through the Great Recession and the COVID-19
pandemic, championing strong schools, fiscal responsibility, and
community investment. His dedication led to major improvements in local
infrastructure and the renaming of the Beulah Recreation Center in his
honor in 2025.
Beyond his contributions in local government, he represented
Chesterfield on numerous regional and state boards and was appointed by
multiple Virginia governors for his expertise and judgment. Deeply
rooted in his faith and community, he served as a deacon and Sunday
school teacher at First Baptist Church Centralia and received the Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Leadership Award earlier this year.
Jim Holland is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judith, and their
children, Jessica and James, Chesterfield County and the Commonwealth
of Virginia have lost a devoted public servant and educator whose
legacy will endure in the community he helped build.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life
of Supervisor Jim Holland, a man guided by faith, service, and a
lifelong commitment to leaving things better than he found them.
____________________