James A. Holish, a loving father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 2, 2022. He was 83.

James was born June 30, 1939, in Chicago, IL., to Pauline and August Holish, where he joined his older sister Nancy. When he was about 8 years old, the family moved to Tucson, AZ. James graduated from Salpointe High School in 1957. Throughout his childhood and especially while at Salpointe, he made many lifelong friendships, and he was elected the student body vice president during his senior year.

After attending the University of Arizona, James entered his career in corporate banking. In 1965, he married Paulette "Joy" (Mesik) Duprey. During their marriage, they welcomed their beloved children, Daniel and Tracie. Although they divorced after 14 years, they remained amicable up until Joy's death in 2005.

After nearly 30 years in banking, James retired from the profession and opened a school in Scottsdale to help contractors prepare to pass their licensing exam. In 1992, he published "The Complete Arizona Contractors Study Guide." He also dabbled in online marketing in the early days of the Internet.

Facing some health challenges in 2010, his daughter brought him to Flagstaff to live with her and her husband, Glenn Hansen, and their children Zachary and Natalie. James was passionate about politics, classic movies, and his family. His daughter, Tracie, was the center of his universe. He lived in the Hansen home for 12 years, where he enjoyed celebrating special occasions with good food and wine, mingling with neighbors during block parties, and the loyal companionship of the family dog, Piper. He loved to surprise his family with thoughtful gifts that he discovered on Amazon.

James is survived by his daughter Tracie Hansen (Glenn); grandchildren Anadia Rockey, Stormie Tuesday Valentine, and Zachary and Natalie Hansen; as well as nieces and nephews and several treasured friends.