John Benjamin "Jackie" Holden

John Benjamin “Jackie” Holden, age 76, of Spanish Fort, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Westminster Village on Friday, December 19, 2025.

John was born on February 6, 1949, in Poplarville, Mississippi. He was a graduate of Poplarville High School and briefly attended Pearl River Community College before proudly joining the United States Navy in 1969. During his 23-year naval career, John served at his first duty station in Puerto Rico and later at various naval bases throughout the United States. He retired in 1992 as a Personnelman 1 (PN1).

John often referred to himself as a “pencil pusher,” but his service was marked by dedication and excellence. His awards and recognitions include the Pistol Marksmanship Medal, three Good Conduct Medals, Naval Medals, and the National Defense Service Medal.

An avid athlete, John was active in football and baseball during his school years and continued to enjoy playing recreational baseball as an adult. Following his retirement from the Navy, John and his wife, Irma, settled in Texas to be closer to her family. After Irma’s passing, John moved to Spanish Fort in 2021 to be nearer to his own family.

John was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Holden; his mother and stepfather, Lillian and Milton Rachel; his beloved wife, Irma G. Holden; his siblings, Betty C. Trammell, Daniel E. Holden, and Charles D. Holden; and his cherished beagles, Max and Luci.

He is survived by his sister, Ruth Hand of Seminary, Mississippi, along with several generations of nieces and nephews who will fondly remember him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Orbis International or the Wounded Warrior Project.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the VA for the care and assistance provided to John throughout the years during his many health challenges.

John will be laid to rest, joining his two brothers at Biloxi National Cemetery at a later date.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Benjamin “Jackie” Holden.