John J. "Jack" Holmes III

John J. "Jack" Holmes, III, 92, of Newburyport, passed peacefully July 8, 2015, at Country Center in Newburyport, with his family by his side. He was the longtime, devoted companion of Harriet M. (Waitt) Wilson, who passed on May 20, 2011. Born in Newbury, July 23, 1922, he was one of four children of the late Howard S. and Mabel A. (Watts) Holmes and was a graduate of Newburyport High School, Class of 1940, going on to complete two years of post-graduate studies at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH. Shortly thereafter Jack joined the military, proudly serving his county during World War II with the United States Army Air Corps from December 13, 1942 until his honorable discharge on June 8, 1946 with the rank of Corporal. After his military service, Mr. Holmes went to work for Nynex as an installation technician until his retirement. He was an active member of St. John's Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Newburyport, as well as a member of the Chapter, Council and Commandery, Aleppo Temple, Newburyport Shrine Club, and Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. Having wintered in Palmetto, FL many years, Jack became a member of the Palmetto Elks Lodge No. 2449. He leaves behind his children, Jacqueline Chase, Dianne Learned, Donna Dumas and Gary Pitts, along with his ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all of whom have very special memories that they will treasure forever. He was predeceased by two sisters and a brother, Thelma Cloutier, Lucille Prescott and Howard S. Holmes, Jr..