James ‘Jimmy’ Holland III

James “Jimmy” Holland III, age 33, passed away unexpectedly on June 18, 2017, in Columbus, OH. He was born in West Chester, PA the beloved son of James Holland II and Diane (Sutphen) Holland.

Jimmy grew up in Chester County, PA graduating from Bishop Shanahan High School in 2002. Jimmy always had a tennis racket in his hand spending most of his time practicing and competing on the tennis court. In 2002, he ranked #1 in USTA Middle States Boys 18 and Under and was #157 Nationally Boys 18 and Under. Jimmy received the 2002 Bishop Shanahan Athlete of the Year Award, Silver and Bronze Medals in the Junior Olympics, and participated in the World Team Tennis Junior Nationals.

Jimmy graduated from the Haub Business School at Saint Joseph’s University in 2006 where he played tennis, never losing a match on Hawk Hill and being selected for the First Team Atlantic 10 Conference. Jimmy embodied a special kind of passion, dedication, and sportsmanship while playing tennis, but the thing he loved most was the relationships he formed with teammates.

Jimmy moved to Columbus to transition his passion and energy to his family’s business, a fire truck manufacturer in Dublin, OH. People came to know Jimmy in Columbus as that “tall guy from Philly, a Powerhouse lefty with a big smile and an even bigger heart.” Jimmy enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, golfing, playing tennis, cheering on the OSU Buckeyes Football Team, and visiting Northern Michigan.

Jimmy is survived by his parents James and Diane; his brother and best friend Corbin; and paternal grandmother Elizabeth Jane Holland. He is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents Robert Mills Sutphen, Lois Jean Sutphen, and James Francis Holland. Jimmy leaves his godparents Jim and Kathy Sterner; aunts and uncles Daniel (Suzanne) Sutphen, Dareth Sutphen Fowler, Drew (Judi) Sutphen, Joann Holland, Patty (Christopher) Holzaepfel, Beth (Richard) Barthelmas, Michael (Ellen) Holland. He is also survived by many dear cousins and friends.

Jimmy’s radiating smile and passion for life, family, friends, fire trucks and tennis is represented in one his favorite famous quotes “Life is a song – sing it. Life is a game – play it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realize it. Life is a sacrifice – offer it. Life is love – enjoy it.”

Family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 27th at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Columbus, OH 43221. Also, a service will be held from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 29th at James J. Terry Funeral Home, Inc. 736 E. Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335 with a memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Chester County SPCA.