The Honorable John Holmes

The Honorable John R. Holmes

“The Honorable John R. Holmes, age 81, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Beacon Hospital in Kalamazoo on Sunday, January 4, 2026 with his wife and five children by his side.”

John was born on June 6, 1944, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to David N. and Margaret (Symons) Holmes. He grew up in Battle Creek, attended Lakeview Schools, and graduated from Lawrenceville Prep School, always feeling a close bond with his Lakeview High School Class of 1962. He went on to earn both his Undergraduate and Doctor of Law from the University of Michigan.

John began his legal career by opening a title company in Ann Arbor after graduation. In 1978, he returned to Battle Creek and joined the Reed-Ore Law Firm before founding the Holmes, Mumford, Schubel, Norlander, McFarlane, and Barnett practice in 1979. In the early 1990s, John was appointed Chief Judge of the 10th District Court, serving on the bench for 21 years and practicing law for an impressive 44 years before retiring in 2014. He was a dedicated advocate for domestic violence awareness throughout his career.

John’s life was marked by deep love for his family. At the age of twelve, he met Shannon, who was then eight, and they were married years later, on January 1, 2001. John is survived by his wife, Shannon; children, Douglas Holmes, Andrew Hammond, Mary (Eric) Sortor, Kristin (Kyle) Kopy, and Laura (John Robert) Hull; grandchildren, Alexander, Owen, Eleanor, Olivia, Evelyn, John Robert III, Emerson, Liam, Harrison, Dylan, Davis, and Philomena; his former wife, Cynthia Wagner Holmes; sister, Mary Hatch; brother, David Holmes; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families. John was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.

John was a proud member of the Michigan Bar Association and the University of Michigan Alumni Association, and he was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan football team. He especially loved cooking for his family - waking early to make breakfast whenever loved ones gathered, a tradition that often lasted well into the afternoon. John also cherished annual family vacations at Lake Michigan, a tradition he began that grew to include 23 family members over 17 years. A devoted fan of the Beach Boys, John was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of their songs. John will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, his devotion to family, his service to the law, and his generous heart.

Friends will be received from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Safe Place in Battle Creek, P.O. Box 199, Battle Creek, MI 49016 or to a charity of your choice. Personal messages for John’s family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.