James Travis Holley, Sr., 91, of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away Thursday, January 6, 2022 in Shawnee.
He was born January 26, 1930 to George and Lillian (Burkhalter) Holley in Durant, Oklahoma.
James was raised near Durant. He met his future wife, Rose Zella Holley in New Mexico and they were married on March 25, 1951 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. In 1961 they moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma where they made their home and raised their family.
James worked as a Plant Supervisor for James Sausage Company in Shawnee until his retirement. He also worked at the local peanut mill and a tree nursery.
He was a member of the former Praise Assembly in Shawnee, now known as Victory Family Church.
James enjoyed music and played the steel guitar. At the age of 16 he left home to pursue a music career with the steel guitar playing in Texas and New Mexico. He played with Bob Wills and locally with Don Cox, Jerry Matthews, Stan Cox and Duke Davis under the nickname of “Dallas Kid”. James loved the Lord, his family, music, and OU Football.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Rose Zella Holley; son, James Travis Holley, Jr.; daughter, Rose “Annette” Davis; grandson, Michael James Holley; his parents, George and Lillian Holley; and brother and sister-in-law, Aldene and Pauline Holley.
Those left to cherish his memory are 4 sons and 3 daughters-in-law, George and Kathy Holley of Oklahoma City, OK, Dean and Ann Holley of Lebanon, MO, Chris Holley of Shawnee, OK and Lonnie and Kim Holley of Shawnee, OK; 16 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren and 1 on the way; and other extended family and friends.
Visitation will be 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 10, 2022 and continue through service time. Service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Victory Family Church, formerly known as Praise Assembly, 2301 E. Highland, Shawnee, OK with Reverend Kevin Jennings, Victory Family Church and Dr. Joseph Jones, Meeker First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at New Zion Cemetery in Chandler under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh. Please join the celebration of James’s life through Cooper Funeral Home’s Facebook page for live streaming of the service.