James Phillip Holmes

James Phillip Holmes, age 84, of Gulfport, MS passed away Friday April 24, 2026.

Phil was born in Pensacola, FL on April 21, 1942, and raised in Marianna, FL. In 1960, Phil joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War on the US Forrestal. After his duty, he and his wife, Jean, settled on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He rose through the ranks at Struthers Industries and retired as a foreman.

Phil enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. He also loved gathering with friends and loved ones.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret Holmes; and siblings Robert Holmes, Margaret Holmes, Dorothy Jones, Louise Woodlief, Irwin Holmes, Leonard Holmes and Sally Akers.

Phil is survived by his wife, Mary (Jean) Holmes; daughters Denise (Ron) Baillio, Angie (Stephen) Benigno; grandkids SJ Benigno, Emery Benigno, Jessica Morrisette (Drew, Anna, Gauge, Charlotte), Sandra Broadwell (Jeff, Katherine, Joseph), and Amanda Dixon (Auburn, Landon, Ryland, Faith, Isla); many nieces and nephews and friends he called family.

Phil was loved by all, and he will be greatly missed.

Visitation with be Tuesday, April 28th from 5-7 at Bradford-O’Keefe 15th Street. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport, Wednesday, April 29th at 1pm. Friends may visit one-hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with Military honors by the US Navy.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, at 15th St in Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of James Phillip Holmes.