Obituary

James McArthur Holland, of North Chesterfield, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, at the age of 73. He was born in Gates County, North Carolina, on December 30, 1951, to the late Clyde C. Holland and Martha Eley Smith Holland.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Judith W. Holland; son, James Matthew Holland; daughter, Jessica Holland Tamba (the late Sangbolu “Zekee” Tamba); sisters, Evelyn Holland-Walker (Alan), Clara M. Smith, JoAnn Holland, and Patricia Holland-Lyons (Carlton); brothers, Donald Holland (Analyn), Westley Holland (Dorothy), Hollis Holland, and Earl Holland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Clyde Holland Jr., Charles Holland, and Roy Holland.

Mr. Holland proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  He served in the 18th Airborne Corps, 118th Military Police Company as a paratrooper and military policeman during the de-escalation of the Vietnam War.

Jim earned a bachelor’s degree with honors from Fayetteville State University in 1979 and a master’s degree in business administration from North Carolina Central University in 1980. Coming from a family that valued education and service, he was the nephew of Dr. Lillian Holland Harvey, for whom the nursing building at Tuskegee University is named.

Following graduation, Mr. Holland accepted a position with Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, and later moved to Louisville, Kentucky,  and then Chesterfield, Virginia, building a distinguished career at Philip Morris USA. There, he worked as an Accountant, earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, and eventually retired. He went on to serve as President of Holland and Company, CPA, located in Chesterfield County.

His passion for education led him to teaching, first as an Adjunct Professor at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and later as an Accounting Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Business, where he mentored and inspired countless students. He also served as an Advisor for the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) at VCU.

A man of strong faith, Mr. Holland was a devoted member of First Baptist Church Centralia, where he served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Deacon.

As a public servant, Jim was deeply involved in his community. He served on various boards, including the Friends of the Library, Parent Teacher Association and School Band Boosters. He was elected in 2008 to represent the Dale District on the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. He made history as the first African American Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and would serve nearly 18 years over five terms as Dale District Supervisor.

Whether serving as Board Chairman in 2014, 2021, and 2024, or as Vice Chairman in 2010 and 2022, Mr. Holland’s purpose was simple — to make Chesterfield County, and especially the Dale District, a better place to live, learn, work, and play.

Throughout his time in office, he celebrated major milestones in the Dale District, including the rebuilding of Beulah Elementary School and Falling Creek Middle School, the renovation of Central Library, and the creation of the Beulah Recreation Center, newly renamed the James M. Holland Recreation Complex at Beulah. The Chesterfield County Airport also saw continued expansion and business growth in the heart of the Dale District.

Under his leadership, Chesterfield County experienced several nationally recognized economic development announcements, including Sabra, Maruchan’s expansion, Niagara, Plenty, LEGO, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Google, and other transformative projects that strengthened the county’s economy and provided high-quality jobs for generations to come. These projects were part of 196 economic development announcements, totaling 18,800 new jobs and $15.1 billion in capital investment since 2008.

Supporting small-business development was also a key priority. Mr. Holland championed efforts to help entrepreneurs start and grow within the county. He celebrated the rise of new and historic attractions, sports tourism venues, and hospitality developments that enhanced quality of life and positioned Chesterfield as a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Mr. Holland often credited these accomplishments to collaboration, community, and the steadfast spirit of Dale District residents. His leadership helped bring to life Ukrop Park, SwimRVA, The Diamonds at Iron Bridge, Courthouse Landing, Cogbill Park, VCU Hospital, and the HCA Free-Standing Emergency Department. From Westchester Commons to Virginia State University’s Multipurpose Center, and countless other projects, Chesterfield County continues to thrive because of his vision and service.

Mr. Holland was appointed by Governors McDonnell and McAuliffe to the Virginia Board of Accountancy (2013–2017) including a year as chair and served on the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s Ethics and Continuing Professional Education Committees (2014–2017). He was also appointed by Governors Warner and Kaine to the Board of Commissioners for the Virginia Public School Authority (2002–2008), serving as Chairman in 2008. In 2021, he was appointed by Governor Northam to the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, and in 2023, he was reappointed by Governor Youngkin to continue serving in that capacity.

Mr. Holland was honored to be appointed by every Virginia governor from Mark Warner to Glenn Youngkin, serving the Commonwealth in various leadership roles. He also represented Chesterfield County regionally through his service on the Richmond Region Tourism Board, Capitol Region Airport Commission, Greater Richmond Partnership, PlanRVA, and the Capital Region Workforce Partnership.

Mr. Holland was also active in several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of CPAs. His leadership extended throughout the community, where he served on the Chesterfield County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Task Force, as District Vice President for the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs, President of the Jacobs Athletic Association, Treasurer of the Manchester High School Band Boosters Club, and as a member of the Supervisory Committee of the Virginia Credit Union.

James “Jim” Holland will be remembered for his unwavering faith, servant leadership, and lifelong commitment to education, community, and family. His legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Holland’s wishes were to provide scholarships to students in his district. Donations can be made to the Chesterfield Education Foundation, 13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112 noting “Holland Scholarship” in memo field.

Link to donation page: https://cefva.networkforgood.com/projects/261545-james-m-holland-dale-district-scholarship

The Community Visitation for Hon. James M. “Jim” Holland will be held on Thursday, October 23 at Meadowbrook High School, 4901 Cogbill Rd., N. Chesterfield, VA 23234 from 5-7:30 pm. Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25 at Victory Tabernacle Church, 11700 Genito Rd., Midlothian, VA 23112 at 11 am. The Committal Service will be held on Monday, November 3 at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434 at 3 pm.