Jesse Ray Holmes

July 16, 1953 - July 6, 2020

Jesse Ray Holmes, 66, passed quickly on July 6, 2020, in Ballston Spa NY after enduring a decade of progressive Alzheimers. Quite simply, he was one in million; a devoted spouse, adoring father, and generous friend. Jesse was born on July 16, 1953, in Polkville, Mississippi to Ruby James and Arlandus Holmes, he was their 13th child. The family worked as sharecroppers, all pitching in to tend to their extensive farm. Growing up one of Jesse’s favorite things was Sunday dinner and he instilled the love of this tradition in his own children. Though Jesse loved being near his siblings and the rural landscape, the racial violence of the area would not allow them to prosper. As an adult with a family of his own, he made the decision to move to the north. In August 1993 Jesse arrived in Saratoga Springs NY which immediately became his forever home. He worked several jobs in order to provide for his family, the most memorable was managing the Ballston Ave. Mobil Station, where customers would ask for him by name. He loved the Saratoga Track and hanging out at the Elk’s Club on Beekman St. He also frequented Stafford’s Bridge, the state boat launch, and Lake Lonely. His love of fishing went all the way back to his childhood in Mississippi and he enjoyed every part of it, from catching the fish to cleaning them and then frying them up! On the weekends the family of six would go for country drives all over the Capital District. “He knew how to get anywhere using the back roads”, and he taught his children this skill. Jesse was generous in all things, especially teaching his children life skills. He could fix anything! And among other things taught both his sons and daughters how to change the oil in their cars, fix a flat tire, and repair their mufflers. If something needed stitching, Jesse was the one to repair ripped jeans, a detached button or hole in a shirt. He was also the kind of father that even when his daughter was grown he would drive to her house in the winter, clean off her car, start and warm it up before she went to work. There was nothing his children would ask for that he would not help them with. Especially when it came to babysitting his beloved grandchildren. Jesse was known by children and adults alike for his famous Donald Duck impression. He was also well known for his love of westerns, detective shows, kung fu, sci-fi, and action movies. On the weekends Jesse and Eva loved to let loose with Coors Light and his favorite music rotations. They would dance the night away to tunes by Tyrone Davis, Percy Sledge, James Brown, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and Wilson Pickett. He never went anywhere without his brown suitcase filled with cassette tapes. Good music set the scene for Jesse’s most notorious skill. The whole family agrees that he was an epic trash talker and his creative and hysterical wordplay was endeared by everyone. The weekend was not complete without a Sunday meal fit for a king, Jesse’s favorites were lima beans, okra, fried chicken, pork chop sandwiches and chicken with gravy over rice. Followed by a reminder to his children that “You can’t waste no food in this house!” Jesse’s family remembers fondly when he would shine his shoes, press his clothes, pick out his hair, and put his jewelry on (only for special occasions!). “Ooooooh I’m about to get clean!!!” he would exclaim. And though he took great pride in his appearance he never wanted any presents or any extra things for himself. When his birthday came around he would tell his kids “Don’t waste your money on me- I don’t need anything.” And this was the essence of Jesse, his only concern was making sure his family was loved and provided for and he didn’t need anything else. Jesse is survived by his wife Eva Mae Coleman, son Jesse Ray Coleman, daughter Angie Carolyn Bailey and husband Justin, son George David Coleman, daughter Sadie Ann Coleman, and grandchildren Zanajah, Laila, Jevin, Jesse, Marcus, Georgia, and Zayden. Jesse will also be sorely missed by his sister Elizabeth Fay McCullum, brother Elroy Holmes, sister Ivy Cashion, best friends Harold James and Willie Dancy, and a host of adoring friends and extended family. Jesse was predeceased by many siblings including, James Holmes, Katie Bell Walker, Tiger Mae Graves, Lurlean Lymas, and Bud Holmes. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17th, 2020 at Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Calling hours are from 3- 4p.m. with a service promptly at 4p.m. Face coverings will be required and/or social distancing is to be followed. With regard to the impact of Covid-19, a public memorial celebration and burial will be scheduled for July 2021. Memorial contributions to assist with burial expenses can be made at https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/jesse-r-holmes/4312