October 9, 1948 – June 22, 2022
James William (Jim) Holifield departed this life peacefully in his Lexington, KY, home on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, following a year-long battle with cancer. Jim was born October 9, 1948, at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, TN, to the Rev. Pharis Jerome and Blanche Elizabeth Schwinabart Holifield. He was 73 years of age at his passing.
Raised in Arkansas, Jim graduated from Brinkley High School in 1966. He then attended and graduated from Asbury University in Wilmore, KY, where he met the love of his life, Theresa Connolly, of Circleville, Ohio. They were married in Circleville on August 15, 1970, and celebrated their Golden 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2020. Jim received his Master of Social Work degree in 1974 from the University of Kentucky.
Jim chose photography as his life profession. He and Theresa co-founded Holifield Photography which has become a long-time staple in Lexington. Having begun his career with wedding photography, Jim is especially known for beginning the very popular Youth Salute and Young Achievers programs in the central Kentucky area. During his 45 years as a professional photographer, Jim served as President of the Kentucky Photographers Association (1989-1990); Chairman of the Kentucky Photographers Association (1990-1991); and a member of the Board of Directors and Director of Chapter Relations for the National Council on Youth Leadership.
Jim and Theresa have been longtime members of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Lexington, where Jim has served in a number of roles across the years. His faith in Jesus Christ was very important to him, and he strived to serve Christ faithfully through his church, his work, his family life and various contacts with the people around him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Theresa, his two daughters and their husbands, Julie & Chris Carpenter and Mary Beth & Austin Bomar. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Ben & Makayla Carpenter, and Sean & Will Bomar. Additionally, Jim is survived by his brother, Tony Holifield & his wife, Sarah; and his sister, Carol Ringold & her husband, Scott; his brother-in-law, Rick Connolly & his wife, Donna; his nephews and niece, Rob Holifield & sons, Wes & Siah, & Siah’s wife, Olivia; Mark Ringold; Stephanie Ringold; Ryan Herbert & his wife, Chelsea, & daughters, Hazel & Violet; and numerous other family members and friends.
Jim’s Celebration of Life Service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 2351 Alumni Drive, Lexington, KY. The Rev. Dr. Brian Ebel and the Rev. J. Anthony Holifield will officiate. Following the service, interment will be at Lexington Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be at Milward Funeral Home, 1508 Trent Blvd, Lexington, KY, on Monday, June 27, from 5 to 7.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Young at Heart Big Band, Bill Pipes, Treasurer, 3424 Merrick Drive, Lexington, KY 40502. Funds provide musical instruments for school students. In his later years, Jim thoroughly enjoyed playing his trombone in the Young at Heart Big Band.
Condolences may be sent to the family addressed to Theresa Holifield, Holifield Photography, 171 Moore Dr, Lexington, KY 40503.
Obituary and services provided by Milward Funeral.