Rodney Jim (Jimmie) Holmes, 91, affectionately known as Coach by his many former students, passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 in Little River. He was born in Gillette, Wyo. on Aug. 28, 1926 to Elizabeth (Springer) Holmes and Rodney James Holmes. He graduated from Geneseo High School in 1944 and entered the U.S. Navy where he served for two years as a nurse. On July 27, 1947, he married Leona Ontjes in Fredrick. Jimmie attended Hutchinson Community College and Sterling College, where he earned his teaching certificate. He taught and coached in Coolidge, Bloom, Hanston, Sylvia, finally returning to Geneseo, Kan., where he retired in 1988.
He belonged to the United Methodist Church and the American Legion, both at Geneseo, and was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and past worthly patron of the Eastern Star of Geneseo and Lyons.
Jimmie is survived by three daughters, Pam (David) Robinson of Geneseo, Melode (Steve) Huggans of Fredrick, and Robyn (Darrel) Adams of Dodge City, and one son, Toby and wife Sheri of Claflin, 11 grandkids, and 16 great-grandkids.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, one great-granddaughter, a brother Jack, and his parents.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. today (Thursday, March 15) at the United Methodist Church, Geneseo with Revs. Guy Rendoff and Gene Langhofer officiating. Burial will be at Geneseo Cemetery with United States Navy Honors.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons ,with family present from 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, Little River or Claflin Community Scholarship in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.