Alumni Spotlight – Jim Holley ’60

With an inventory of work ethic, academic aptitude, and tenacity, Jim Holley was always expected to leave Glen Rock and make an impact. It was not known, however, that he would return to become a leader in shaping the community that shaped him.

While at Susquehannock, Jim was a member of the National Honor Society, business manager of the Calumet Staff, and an actor in the Junior and Senior Play. He also excelled on the athletic field, lettering in football, basketball, and track. In his senior year, Jim was the York County Champion in the 100 yard dash and broad jump.

A hard worker in and out of school, Jim was active in boy scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle. In his “spare time,” he delivered newspapers for Itzoe’s News Stand in New Freedom and also worked at Nardie’s Food Store.

After graduation in 1960, he attended the Colorado School of Mines, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geological Engineering. While an “Ore Digger,” he lettered in football and track and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.

Upon graduation from college in 1964, Jim was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After Officers Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and Viegues, Puerto Rico before being shipped out to Viet Nam where he served as a combat engineer. His many duties included supporting his brigade’s combat efforts with bridge and road construction, constructing living and logistics facilities for combat air units, building a prisoner-of-war camp, and designing water infrastructure. Recognizing his unique ability to lead and inspire men, the Corps quickly gave him the assignment of company commander, and he attained the rank of Captain in less than three years. Jim rightfully refers to this recognition with great pride.

As a combat veteran with an honorable discharge, Jim returned to New Freedom and began a career of civilian service with Buchart Horn, the prominent civil engineering firm in the area at the time. In 1977, he left Buchart to begin his own firm, James R. Holley and Associates. Over the ensuing 30 years, his firm has grown to 32 full-time employees, is the engineer-of-record for 17 York County municipalities, and is a member of the development design team for a host of private clients. True to his own character, his firm is known for excellence, integrity, and ingenuity.

While serving the professional community, Jim’s leadership was sought after throughout Greater York, and he willingly answered the call. He has served on the board of directors of the following organizations: York-Adams Council, Boy Scouts of America; York County Chapter, American Cancer Society; York and York County YMCA (Incoming Chairman – Southern Branch); York Hospital; Wellspan Health; South Central Preferred; New Freedom Borough Council; Southern York County School District (Current Member); Southern York County Rotary Club (Past President); and Community Banks (now Susquehanna Banks).

Jim recalls his days at Susquehannock with fondness, and enjoys time with many of his classmates in and out of the area. He also credits much of his success to the life experiences afforded him while a Warrior and the support and personal attention of a dedicated and caring faculty.

“When I enrolled in the Colorado School of Mines,” he remembers, “I was competing with students with math preparation more advanced than mine. But I was able to succeed and accelerate quickly because of the strong foundation I received at Susquehannock and from the desire to succeed and reach my potential that was instilled in me.”

Jim still lives in New Freedom with Jean, his wife of 45 happy years. He has two daughters who live in the area, Laura (Lipinski) ‘84 and Linda (Slenker) ‘87. While he has a passion for playing golf at Bon Air Country Club, Jim has yet to learn how to stop working and remains active in his firm, serving “clients who won’t let me retire.”

Thanks Jim Holley ’60 for making us “Warrior Proud!”