James Leon Hollis Jr.
March 30th, 1983 - January 23rd, 2025
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James Leon's Obituary
James Leon Hollis Jr., 41, South Haven passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Bronson Hospital in South Haven, Michigan. He was born on March 30, 1983, to James Hollis Sr. and Cynthia Hollis (Underwood) in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Visitation for Jimmy will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Filbrandt Chapel from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Jimmy will be laid to rest at Chambers Cemetery.
He is survived by his husband Ahmed Alaabodi, his brother Christopher of Hartford MI, his sister Tiffany (Corey) of South Haven, MI, and his brother Gregory (Tina ) of Groveland, FL. Also nieces and nephews (Jaden, Zacorious, Kobe, Harper, Jocelyn, Kaley, Lucas, Amber and Brittany). He is also survived by his aunt and godmother Bonnie Wortman (Underwood), Uncle Joe Underwood, Aunt Cathy Underwood, also Aunts Barbra Ross (Hollis), Christine Underwood (Hollis), Faye Keunzli (Hollis), Nona Hollis and numerous cousins and friends throughout the country. Jimmy also leaves to cherish his memory, his dogs Hazel and Pepper and his horse Weston.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his father James Hollis Sr. in 2004 and his mother Cynthia Hollis (Underwood) in 2022.
After graduating from South Haven High School in 2001, he attended Grand Valley State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 2005. Later, he attended Western Michigan University and got his master’s degree in business administration in 2011. James served as career coach and navigator in Cass-Berrien-Van Buren County Michigan Works! (2007-2012). He also worked in Phoenix Fruit Stand, the Olive Cart and the Blueberry Store in South Haven. Later, he worked at the Upjohn Institute for Southwest Michigan Works! as a career coach in Kalamazoo (2013-2021). In April 2021, he joined the Labor and Economic Opportunity as a departmental analyst at the State of Michigan. He was also the owner of Leon James of South Haven Gift Shop.
Growing up, Jimmy showed interest in animals. He was a proud 4-H member in Van Buren County where he showed cows and pigs and became interested in horses. His parents, James and Cynthia, bought him his first horse trailer. He showed his horses in Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey and became a board member of the Michigan Appaloosa horse Club. His all-time favorite was the Appaloosa World Show in Fort Worth, Texas where he not only showed his horse but also shared his infectious smile. He also loved to volunteer and help wherever he could.
Jimmy loved to laugh and his Bigby coffee. His heart was huge. His kindness and great smile will be sorely missed by all.
The family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider donations to help with funeral expenses. Please leave a memory or condolence for Jimmy at www.starksfamilyfh.com . Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Visitation for Jimmy will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Filbrandt Chapel from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Jimmy will be laid to rest at Chambers Cemetery.
He is survived by his husband Ahmed Alaabodi, his brother Christopher of Hartford MI, his sister Tiffany (Corey) of South Haven, MI, and his brother Gregory (Tina ) of Groveland, FL. Also nieces and nephews (Jaden, Zacorious, Kobe, Harper, Jocelyn, Kaley, Lucas, Amber and Brittany). He is also survived by his aunt and godmother Bonnie Wortman (Underwood), Uncle Joe Underwood, Aunt Cathy Underwood, also Aunts Barbra Ross (Hollis), Christine Underwood (Hollis), Faye Keunzli (Hollis), Nona Hollis and numerous cousins and friends throughout the country. Jimmy also leaves to cherish his memory, his dogs Hazel and Pepper and his horse Weston.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his father James Hollis Sr. in 2004 and his mother Cynthia Hollis (Underwood) in 2022.
After graduating from South Haven High School in 2001, he attended Grand Valley State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 2005. Later, he attended Western Michigan University and got his master’s degree in business administration in 2011. James served as career coach and navigator in Cass-Berrien-Van Buren County Michigan Works! (2007-2012). He also worked in Phoenix Fruit Stand, the Olive Cart and the Blueberry Store in South Haven. Later, he worked at the Upjohn Institute for Southwest Michigan Works! as a career coach in Kalamazoo (2013-2021). In April 2021, he joined the Labor and Economic Opportunity as a departmental analyst at the State of Michigan. He was also the owner of Leon James of South Haven Gift Shop.
Growing up, Jimmy showed interest in animals. He was a proud 4-H member in Van Buren County where he showed cows and pigs and became interested in horses. His parents, James and Cynthia, bought him his first horse trailer. He showed his horses in Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey and became a board member of the Michigan Appaloosa horse Club. His all-time favorite was the Appaloosa World Show in Fort Worth, Texas where he not only showed his horse but also shared his infectious smile. He also loved to volunteer and help wherever he could.
Jimmy loved to laugh and his Bigby coffee. His heart was huge. His kindness and great smile will be sorely missed by all.
The family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider donations to help with funeral expenses. Please leave a memory or condolence for Jimmy at www.starksfamilyfh.com . Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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